Low-cost carrier, flydubai, is set to expand its network to Malaysia, offering daily services between Dubai, Penang, and Langkawi starting from February 10, 2024.
In addition, the airline has appointed World Avenues Malaysia as its general sales agent for Malaysia.
This milestone marks flydubai as the first Middle Eastern carrier to provide direct flights to the two Malaysian islands. In contrast, two other UAE airlines, Emirates and Etihad, already offer direct services from their respective hubs to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
The carrier’s non-stop flights from Dubai will touch down in Penang, and after a brief transit stop, will continue on to Langkawi. The airline will utilise its B737 MAX on this route, featuring comfortable lie-flat seats in Business Class.
For Malaysians residing in the Northern region, flydubai’s new services will offer a convenient option to fly directly to Dubai, eliminating the need to travel to Kuala Lumpur for a flight to the UAE.
Malaysian inbound agents are equally excited about the new business opportunities presented by flydubai.
Solihhene Abdullah, director of ONThego Travel and Tours, commented: “These flights will undoubtedly attract tourists from Middle East and North African countries such as Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia to Malaysia, as they seek to enjoy beach holidays. Currently, we are losing market share to neighbouring islands like Bali and Phuket due to the absence of direct flights from the Middle East to the Malaysian islands.”
With the introduction of flydubai’s new services to Penang and Langkawi, SBS Pradeep Kumar, director and COO of Asian Famous Tours & Travel, sees an enticing opportunity to attract budget-conscious travellers from the Middle East to these islands.
