Dubai-based flydubai has announced the addition of three new East African routes, bringing the total number of destinations in the carrier’s network to 80.

With the launch of flights in September 2014 to Bujumbura in Burundi, Entebbe in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda, flydubai will fly to nine destinations in Africa.

Commenting on the launch of these new routes, Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer of flydubai, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of three new East African destinations which also sees flydubai become the first national carrier from the UAE to fly to Rwanda and Burundi, underlining our commitment to opening up underserved markets.”

Flydubai will operate seven flights a week between Entebbe and Dubai starting from September 28. Economy Class return fares from Entebbe to Dubai will start at $399 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at $1,200 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

The airline will operate two flights a week between Bujumbura and Dubai via Entebbe starting from September 30. Economy Class return fares from Bujumbura will start at $399 including 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at $1,200 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Three flights a week are planned between Kigali and Dubai via Entebbe starting from September 27. Economy Class return fares from Kigali to Dubai will start at $399, while Business Class return fares will start at $899 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Flydubai’s operation to these emerging markets will provide passengers with a reliable, direct and high-quality service. Business Class, which is made available for the first time between Dubai and Burundi, will give passengers travelling to these new destinations a more comfortable and personalised travel experience, the airline said.

“We have announced 17 new destinations since the start of 2014, matching the total number of destinations flydubai launched last year. We look forward to continuing to expand our network as we remain committed to supporting Dubai’s trade and tourism sectors,” said Al Ghaith.

In addition to operating between Dubai and these three new cities, flydubai has obtained the rights to carry passengers between Uganda and Burundi.

Rwanda and Burundi are home to some of the most biodiverse places. Filled with numerous volcanoes, nature reserves and the second deepest lake in the world, the two countries also have one third of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas and one third of Africa’s bird species.

While tourism is the largest contributor to Rwanda and Burundi’s economies, Uganda is considered one of Africa’s most progressive economies and is emerging as one of the leading commercial centres within Africa, said the airline.

Within Africa, flydubai currently operates flights to Alexandria in Egypt, Khartoum and Port Sudan in Sudan, Juba in South Sudan, Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa as well as Djibouti’s capital Djibouti. - TradeArabia News Service