LONDON – flydubai, the hybrid low-cost arm of Emirates, will launch a daily service to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) as of 9 March 2023.
With lots of expatriates from Somalia residing in Dubai, the carrier hopes to then double its frequency on from June 2023. The non-stop service will allow individuals living at both ends to travel between the two cities more conveniently than ever before.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “We continue to look for opportunities to grow our network in East Africa and open up underserved markets.”
“This region has seen significant economic growth and development in recent years, our direct flights will further stimulate the economy and help create free flows of travel and trade.”
Expanding its African footprint
The launch of flights to Mogadishu on the 9th of March 2023 sees flydubai further expanding its coverage in Africa.
Mogadishu, Somalia becomes the eleventh African destination, providing seamless travel from passengers from the United Arab Emirates and the wider region.
Other African cities served include Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Khartoum, Juba and Zanzibar.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “flydubai will offer convenient and reliable travel services between both countries.”
“This route will be operated by our fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering customers the comfort of our Business Class cabin or a more customised experience in Economy Class. “
“We are looking forward to doubling our frequency to Somalia from 01 June 2023 and further connecting the market to Dubai and beyond.”
About Somalia – Why is it important for FlyDubai?
Somalia is located in the horn of Africa, a strategic location for trade and commerce, but unfortunately marred by maritime piracy. This makes air travel the more viable and safe option for travel between the two cities.
Somalia is also home to beautiful coastlines and beaches, which makes the country picturesque, but its tourism industry is not heard of.
FlyDubai can become profitable with this route as not many carriers are flying between the two cities, apart from the local Somali Airline, Dallo Air.
With Dubai linked with Mogadishu, this allows Somalis to travel easier to the wider world through its Dubai hub.
Moreover, there are lots of Somali diaspora in Dubai, as expatriates, which forms a perfect link for visiting friends and family traffic.
Somali diasporas in Europe may also opt through Dubai, instead of flying through Doha and Istanbul.
Flight details
Flydubai will operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International and Aden Adde International Airport. Prices in Business Class will start from AED 12,000 and Economy class starting from AED 3,000.
The lack of competition between Dubai and Mogadishu allows the airline to capitalise on the route.
