Saturday, June 19 – Dubai’s first low cost carrier, flydubai, launched flights to the ancient capital of Turkey yesterday, its 18th destination. Flight FZ751 landed at Sabiha International Gocken International Airport in Istanbul at 2250 hours.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said “Istanbul is one of the most popular destinations for UAE residents who are seeking a short break. With a wealth of historical sites and shopping options there is much to delight and occupy visitors. This year Istanbul is the European Capital of Culture so when you put that together with flydubai’s simple, uncomplicated, low fares, there has never been a better time to visit the capital.”
Istanbul has a population of 18 million and its location on the outer edge of Europe makes it a melting pot of cultures because of centuries of influence from both the East and West. Trade between the UAE and Turkey, currently valued at about $9 billion per year, will be strengthened by flydubai’s new service to Istanbul. Ticket fares for flights to Istanbul start at Dh450 one-way including all taxes and one piece of hand luggage. Flight FZ751 operates five times a week, departing from Dubai at 1855 hrs and arriving at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 2250 hrs local time. Return flight FZ752 departs at 2335 hrs and lands in Dubai at 0500 hrs local time.
