Flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, will expand its network into the former Soviet Union for the first time on November 20, when it commences flights to the Azeri capital, Baku.

“Baku is our first route into Asia and a prime opportunity because of its rapid expansion as a business and tourism centre. There is currently only one other airline operating direct flights between Dubai and Baku so we anticipate strong demand for our service.,” said flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“Baku’s recent economic tale is one of resurgence in the oil and gas industry and as a growing business centre at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It also possesses unique tourist attractions such as its Walled City, which became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2000.”

Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the north-west, Armenia to the west and Iran to the south.

Baku is an ancient trading post with a colourful history including rule by the Persians and Peter the Great. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Azerbaijan oilfields produced more than half the world’s oil, an accolade only shared in history by the United States. The former Soviet state gained independence in 1991.

One-way fares to Baku from Dubai will cost from Dh300, which includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg.

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.-TradeArabia News Service