Flydubai, Dubai’s innovative low-cost airline, has announced Sana’a, the capital of the Republic of Yemen as the latest addition to its expanding route network.

Flights to Yemen will commence on 22 April 2012 , with four weekly flights to Sana’a. The nation’s capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Sana’a is Yemen’s largest city, political and administrative centre and home to 30 percent of the country’s industrial establishments.

Commenting on the new route announcement, flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “We are delighted to add Yemen to our expanding Middle East network and are deeply grateful to the Yemeni authorities for their support. flydubai’s low-cost direct connection will provide travellers with an easy link to Sana’a, in turn driving tourism and investment to this historically-rich and culturally-vibrant city.”

The UAE recorded AED 500 million worth of exports annually to Yemen between 2007 and 2010*, and in recent years the two countries have developed trade and collaborations, particularly in the areas of medical services, agriculture, infrastructure and real estate. With four flights scheduled per week, flydubai’s low-cost route will allow the

UAE strong access to business and investment opportunities in Yemen, while at the same time strengthening Yemen’s links to the wider international community.

“Historically, the UAE and Yemen have enjoyed strong socio-political and cultural ties. By increasing direct airlinks between the two countries, we aim to boost trade and tourism, taking bilateral relations to the next level,” added Ghaith Al Ghaith.

In parallel to developing its industrial, commercial, and economic capabilities, Yemen is also working towards bolstering leisure tourism by preserving some of its architectural and historic gems, and developing the associated infrastructure including hospitality and transport.

Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1986, the old city attracts visitors from across the Arabian Peninsula and further afield thanks to its rich traditions and culture, ancient fortifications, unique architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Building up a network of more than 45 destinations across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central & Eastern Europe in less than three years, flydubai is the world’s fastest growing start-up airline. With the addition of Sana’a, flydubai has expanded its Middle East route map to 11 countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.

Flights to Sana’a will operate four times a week and will commence on 22 April 2012.

• Sundays and Mondays: FZ091 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 0700hrs, landing in El Rahaba Airport (Sana’a Intenational) at 0840hrs local time. The return flight, FZ092, departs at 0925hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1310hrs local time.
• Wednesdays and Fridays: FZ091 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1545hrs, landing in El Rahaba Airport (Sana’a Intenational) at 1725hrs local time. The return flight, FZ092, departs at 1810hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2155hrs local time.

One way fares from Dubai to Sana’a start at AED 570 ($155) and fares from Sana’a to Dubai start at AED 605 ($165).

All fares are one way and inclusive of taxes, 20kg checked baggage plus include one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 ($28) extra.