Flydubai, based in Dubai, has revealed plans to enhance its European operations by introducing flights to four additional cities across the continent. Travelers will soon have the opportunity to fly to destinations in Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania, with launch dates set for September 2025.
On May 29, 2025, flydubai announced it will initiate services between Dubai and both Iași and Chișinău in Romania starting September 2025, followed by Vilnius in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia in December 2025. This expansion increases the airline’s global network to over 135 destinations in 58 countries, with its European destinations reaching a total of 35 across 20 nations.
Flydubai will be the first UAE airline to provide direct services to three of these new routes (excluding Chișinău). The airline’s journey into Romania began in 2012 with flights to Bucharest from Dubai. The initiation of these new routes marks flydubai’s debut in the Baltic region, offering direct access to Riga International Airport (RIX) and Vilnius International Airport (VNO), thus expanding its reach to over 100 underserved markets.
Flights to Chișinău International Airport (RMO) and Iași International Airport (IAS) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Both new routes will commence on September 19, 2025, with two flights per week for each destination.
The introduction of flights to Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is scheduled for September 11, 2025, with operations running three times weekly, while Riga International Airport (RIX) will see a similar schedule beginning December 12, 2025. Flydubai’s parent company, Emirates, will codeshare on these four new routes, offering travelers over one hundred connection options through Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, remarked, “The expansion of our network reflects our unwavering commitment to unlocking underserved markets and facilitating trade and tourism. We are delighted to launch our latest European destinations.” Currently, more than 135 destinations have been established, with 75% of these being underserved routes from Dubai. This expansion into Eastern Europe and the Baltic region aims to bolster the UAE’s trade and cultural connections while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a pivotal international aviation hub.
Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, also commented on the launch of flights, stating, “Europe remains a key market for flydubai. We are eager to extend our network with the addition of Chișinău, Iași, Riga, and Vilnius. These gateways to Eastern Europe and the Baltic will enhance travel experiences, providing convenient services to Dubai and beyond through our extensive partnerships.”
Further Insights on the New Destinations
Flydubai’s statement notes that Chișinău, located along the Bîc River, is recognized as one of Europe’s greenest cities. Famous for its historic white limestone buildings, unique architecture, and lush natural parks, Moldova’s capital offers an ideal getaway for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Iași, the second-largest city in Romania, is known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, with numerous stunning historical sites and charming neighborhoods.
The two capital cities of the Baltic states, Riga in Latvia and Vilnius in Lithuania, provide visitors opportunities to explore their breathtaking architecture and UNESCO World Heritage-listed old towns.
As of 2023, flydubai operates an all-Boeing fleet of 88 aircraft, comprised of 28 737-800s, 57 737 MAX 8s, and three 737 MAX 9s. Additionally, the airline recently secured an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners, expanding its order book with an additional 127 aircraft from the 737 MAX series.
Based on an article from aerotime.aero: https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/flydubai-spreads-its-wings-to-four-additional-european-destinations
