Flydubai launching direct flights to Eritrea

Dubai-based flydubai has announced it will add direct flights between Dubai and Eritrea's capital city, Asmara, beginning Oct. 25 with four flights a week.

Asmara is the second African destination added to the flydubai network this year after Hargeisa, Somaliland, which began in June.

“We are keen to reflect the UAE’s efforts to support emerging markets, particularly in East Africa. Adding to our recent operations to Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Somaliland, we are delighted to add a direct link between the UAE and another emerging market with great potential for more growth. Asmara becomes the 18th destination to join our network this year”, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said.

In line with the growing trade and tourism ties between the UAE and East and North Africa, flydubai launched its first African route to Djibouti in 2009 followed by Addis Ababa in 2011. Last year, the airline added six new routes to its network, connecting Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

With the addition of Asmara, flydubai operates 60 weekly flights to 13 destinations in Africa.