Flydubai adds 2 new Iraqi routes

Flydubai has added two additional Iraqi destinations to its network with flights to Baghdad and Najaf due to start in the New Year. The new routes bring flydubai's network to 48 destinations across 27 countries in the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and the fringes of Europe. Flydubai launched services to Iraq in 2010, serving Arbil and Sulaimaniyah, providing a huge impetus to travel between the UAE and Iraq, while promoting trade ties between the two countries. The new routes mean flydubai now offers 14 flights a week to Iraq. Flights to the two destinations will start in the New Year, allowing travellers from the UAE to take advantage of low-cost fares to two of Iraq's commercial hubs. Article continues below The four-times weekly flights to Baghdad will begin on January 17, with the three times a week service to Najaf commencing on January 29. Flydubai CEO Gaith Al Gaith said: "The UAE is currently one of Iraq's top trading partners with non-oil trade between the two countries growing 32.6 per cent to Dh26.4 billion, compared to 2008. Our flights to Arbil and Sulaimaniyah encouraged business travel and we aim to mirror that success by connecting two of Iraq's main commercial and business centres to the UAE. In addition to cultural authenticity, Iraq has a wealth of investment opportunities across sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture and we hope the routes will stimulate UAE-based and international business to explore these opportunities." Flights to Baghdad will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from January 17. One way fares from Dubai to Baghdad start at Dh1,230, with fares from Baghdad to Dubai starting at $315.