Dubai’s new low cost carrier (LCC) flydubai is still committed its new flight plans for India, despite delaying three of its routes this month. CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said “India will be operational. We are committed to operating [routes] to India.” Operational issues last month forced the LCC to postpone all three of its new routes to Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. Those passengers affected by the cancellation were issued full refunds and vouchers valid for service on any of flydubai’s routes until the end of December.
More than one million Indian’s reside in the UAE so the India routes are important for flydubai. Ghaith Al Ghaith said he expects regional budget airlines will grow as much as 10% in two years. He said low cost carriers represent about five percent in the Middle East and this will probably grow to 15% in the next few years. The low cost model accounts for about 20% of traffic in Europe.
