The opening of the new extension at Terminal 2 at the Dubai International Airport is enhancing the experience of the passengers travelling on Dubai budget carrier flydubai, said a senior airline official.

The bigger, brighter terminal not only has more check-in desks and self-service kiosks but customers can also enjoy the comfort of a Marhaba Lounge and a range of services at the new business centre – a first for this terminal.

Flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We look at every aspect of our passengers’ journey, not just the flight and the newly refurbished departures hall at Terminal 2  provides a convenient start to their journey and a better customer experience. The transition has been smooth and we hope our passengers enjoy the range of new facilities available to them.”

The departure and immigration area is the first stage of an Dh600 million ($163 million) two-year redevelopment of Dubai Terminal 2, which will see it able to handle more than 10 million passengers every year and is due for completion in 2014.

Richard Talian, the senior VP of Strategy and Development at Dubai Airports said: “As the second largest airline operating out of Dubai International as well as being the main carrier at Terminal 2, we want to provide flydubai’s passengers with an enjoyable experience. We have worked closely with flydubai to ensure the terminal meets their needs as they continue on their rapid growth trajectory.”

As part of the opening, flydubai introduced its mascot, Maya, to her new home. Created exclusively by the producers of the award-winning Emirati animation series Freej, flydubai’s most well-known cabin crew member took her co-stars from flydubai’s on board safety video to see the new terminal.

"Whilst flydubai’s offering is pretty complete, aside of enhancing services on the ground it is also looking at improving the on board experience for passengers. Earlier this year it became the first airline to offer daily updated digital newspapers through its In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system and it plans to unveil a new food menu later this year," said Al Ghaith.

“Passengers will soon be able to pre-order their on board meal, reflecting flavours from across our network, ensuring that they know exactly what food they are about to enjoy with the quality that you expect from flydubai,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service