Flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, has delayed the launch of its debut flights to the Indian cities of Lucknow, Coimbatore and Chandigarh 'due to operational issues,' said its top official.

“Flydubai had planned to begin operations to India with flights to Lucknow on July 13, Coimbatore on July 14 and Chandigarh on July 23. However, due to operational issues, we have had to delay these flights," stated Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai.
 
"We understand that this is very inconvenient for the passengers who have booked flights with us to India and we apologise for the disruption and disappointment caused," he said.

Al Ghaith pointed out that India was an important market for the airline and hoped to start the flights soon. "We will make an announcement in the very near future on when our flights to the region will begin,” he said.

"All passengers who have booked flights to India will be contacted within the next few days and will be given a full refund, plus a voucher for a free return flight to India or anywhere on the flydubai network, which will be valid for travel until the end of November 2009," he added.-TradeArabia News Service