Dubai-based flydubai has announced the start of operations to Kozhikode in Kerala, India with its inaugural flight landing in the Indian city on  February 1.

The airline will operate flights three times a week connecting Dubai International Airport to Kozhikode Calicut International Airport. With this launch, flydubai now offers 30 weekly flights to and from Dubai to eight destinations in India.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at flydubai, said: “As the first Dubai-based carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to Kozhikode, we expect this route to be very popular for travellers from the UAE to the region. Similarly, passengers from Kozhikode now have easier access to popular destinations on the flydubai network as well as the Emirates network providing easy access to more destinations when visiting family and friends.”

Speaking at the press conference held on February 4 to mark the start of flights to Kozhikode, Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice president, commercial operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, said: “with the commencement of our service to Kozhikode, passengers will be able to connect to hundreds of destinations. Flydubai’s professional and friendly service onboard will offer an exceptional travel experience whether travelling for business or leisure.”

Business Class services will be available on this route and offer faster check-in, priority ground services and onboard comfortable spacious seats. Passengers choosing Economy Class will be able to enjoy the airline's innovatively-designed seats to optimise legroom and maximise comfort.  Depending on travel needs, passengers will be able to select between bundled (Flex/Value) or unbundled (Lite) fares.

Business Class return fares to Kozhikode from Dubai start from Dh2,659 ($723.8), while Economy Class return fares to Dubai start from Dh670 ($182.3).

Flydubai started operating to India in 2010 with the start of direct flights to Lucknow. With the commencement of this new route, the airline has further grown its Indian network, which currently includes Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is a trade centre known for its spices and hand-woven cotton cloth. The city is a geographical haven, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Wayanad Hills. With its serene beaches, green countryside and rich history, Kozhikode makes for a fascinating destination for travellers.

As part of the Emirates flydubai partnership announced in 2017, Emirates will codeshare on this route. For bookings under the codeshare, Emirates passengers will receive complimentary meals and the Emirates checked baggage allowance on flights operated by flydubai in Economy class. Benefitting from this codeshare partnership, travellers from India will have access to travel to hundreds of destinations all over the world via Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service