Growing Flydubai grateful to Lankan authorities

Monday, 25 March 2013 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Flydubai, a Dubai-based airline, became the second international carrier to call at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on 18 March. The airline said they are grateful for the support and facilitating services provided by the Sri Lankan authorities.

“We are grateful to the authorities for their continued support and for giving Flydubai the opportunity to serve the Sri Lankan market. We launched flights to Colombo in July 2010 with a four-time weekly service.

“Following the increased demand, it rose to five-times a week, within two months before daily operations began in March 2012. We are delighted to start operations to the new Mattala Airport, which will help to increase the accessibility and drive the development of the Eastern and Southern coasts,” Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla who led a delegation from the airline for the inaugural flight to Mattala.

Flydubai said its service will commence thrice a week to Mattala International Airport from 21 May. The inaugural Flydubai flight at Mattala was welcomed ceremoniously with water cannon salute, whilst Obaidalla was met by senior aviation authority and other Government officials.

Through this second route to the island, the airline continues to further support the Sri Lanka Government’s efforts to bring in 2.5 million tourists by 2016. The airline carried 104,000 passengers in 2012, recording a remarkable 67% year-on-year growth.

The flights will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from Dubai to Mattala International Airport, following a stop in Colombo. Return fares from Dubai start at Dh 995 with return fares from Mattala Airport to Dubai starting at Rs. 31,365.