Flydubai launches UAE’s first flight route to Italy’s Olbia

Image credit: Flydubai

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, flew its inaugural service to Olbia in Italy. It is the first carrier from the UAE to operate direct flights to the Sardinia town from Dubai.

The air carrier announced that it has launched a thrice-weekly service to Olbia Airport as part of its seasonal operations. The service to Olbia has grown its network in Italy to five points which include – Catania, Milan-Bergamo, Naples and Pisa.

flydubai launches direct flights from #Dubai to Olbia, making it the first UAE carrier to operate this route. The new service, operating three times a week, expands flydubai’s network in Italy to five destinations, including Catania, Milan-Bergamo, Naples, and Pisa. pic.twitter.com/n728QUdiZj

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 22, 2023

Flydubai’s inaugural flight landed at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to a water cannon salute and warm welcome by airport officials.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at Flydubai, said, “We are committed to opening up underserved destinations and we are excited to offer our customers more options for travel during the summer with the launch of flights to Olbia in Sardinia. Since 2018, when we first started operations to the region, Italy has been a popular destination for customers from the UAE and GCC and we look forward to offering more options for travel as flydubai enters another record-breaking summer.”

Olbia, in the Gallura region of Sardinia, is a scenic town and home to one of the most important harbours in Italy. It is known for the medieval San Simplicio basilica and the historical town square Piazza Matteotti.

Flydubai’s Olbia service

Flights between Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from June 22, 2023 to 30 September 2023. Return business class fares start from Dhs11,725 and economy class lite fares start from Dhs3,000. Return business class fares start from EUR2,900 and economy class lite fares start from EUR550.

The carrier will fly its 737 MAX aircraft on the route which features plush business class seats. The aircraft’s economy class features new seats which are designed to optimise space and comfort for the flight across the south of Europe.

Silvio Pippobello, chief executive officer of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, said, “Today’s inaugurated connection significantly enhances the connectivity of the island for the benefit of the region and the local population, while also providing a crucial opportunity for our tourist destination to officially open up to the global market. Starting from today, in fact, Sardinia can be easily reached with just one stop from every corner of the planet. We thank the airline for believing in our destination, the region of Sardinia for the valuable support, the Sardinian airports that have collaborated in achieving this milestone, and all the stakeholders who are working to make this flight a success.”

In other news, Flydubai signed a codeshare partnership with Air Canada to offer enhanced travel options for passengers flying between Canada, the Middle East, East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southern Asia.

New @flydubai partnership means more options flying between Canada & the Middle East, Indian subcontinent. ?✈️From our @yvrairport and @TorontoPearson non-stop flights to Dubai, the agreement offers seamless onward connections.

More: https://t.co/zH1zSO02W8 pic.twitter.com/ngkxn34uwu

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) May 17, 2023