flydubai strengthens presence in Europe with four new destinations
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, continues to grow its network with the launch of flights to four new destinations. This includes the start of flights to Chișinău and Iași from September 2025 in addition to Riga and Vilnius from December 2025, expanding the carrier's network in Europe to 35 destinations across 20 countries.
This announcement makes flydubai the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights between Dubai and Iași International Airport (IAS) in Romania. The carrier first started operating to Romania in 2012 with the launch of flights to Bucharest.
This also marks the carrier's first entry into the Baltic region with a direct service to Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia and Vilnius International Airport (VNO) in Lithuania, increasing the number of underserved markets on its network to more than 100 destinations.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, 'The expansion of our network reflects our unwavering commitment to opening up underserved markets and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism, and we are pleased to see this happen with the launch of our latest destinations in Europe. Today, we have built a diverse network of more than 135 destinations, 75% of which are underserved routes from Dubai. With our new services to Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, we look forward to strengthening the UAE's trade and cultural links and supporting Dubai's position as an international aviation hub.'
Commenting on the launch of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said, 'Europe remains an important market for flydubai and we are excited to grow our network with the addition of Chișinău, Iași, Riga and Vilnius. These gateways into Eastern Europe and the Baltic region will enable more passengers to enjoy an enhanced travel experience with a convenient service to Dubai and further beyond on the flydubai network as well as the Emirates network through our codeshare partnership.'
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
27 minutes ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi health drive raises Dh509 million in two weeks to support patients with chronic diseases
An Abu Dhabi humanitarian drive aiming to provide critical support to patients with chronic diseases and people with various disabilities has raised more than half of its Dh1 billion fund-raising target in only two weeks. The Life Endowment campaign, established by the Endowments and Minors Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi), has collected Dh509 million from 93,000 contributors, it was announced on Sunday. The vital initiative, being held under the slogan With you for Life, was announced by President Sheikh Mohamed under the UAE's Year of Community. The impressive running total is thanks to contributions from both individuals and businesses alike, including a Dh172 million donation from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. The drive will help to cover treatment costs for people while supporting the research and development of pharmaceutical drugs. Fahad Al Qassim, director general of the Abu Dhabi Endowments and Minors Funds Authority, said the scheme represented a major milestone in the UAE's philanthropic vision. 'The significant contributions received since the campaign's launch demonstrate the UAE community's unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives," Mr Al Qassim said. "The enthusiastic response to the Life Endowment campaign exemplifies deep compassion for those suffering from chronic diseases and for people of determination. "The continued flow of generous contributions through various channels underscores the widespread culture of endowment in our society as a key catalyst of sustainability.' Who will benefit from fund? The fund will be continuous and have no end date, Mr Al Qassim previously told T he National. Its finances will be invested and then spent to help patients. 'Assets will be invested and the returns will be spent on treatment, which means that we have a sustainable financial instrument and product that gives returns every single year,' he said in an interview following the campaign's launch. 'This endowment caters for the weakest point in the community and a lot of those people are actually non-UAE nationals. Emiratis today, at the end of the day, they do get the treatment from the government by the leadership. Expats today are more vulnerable in terms of the weaker point of the community. 'Endowments are here to stay for generations. It's not for the next two years, and then it will be mothballed or to a different initiative. No, it will continue to be there, hopefully for generations to come.' Abu Dhabi's Department of Health is overseeing the health-related aspects of the endowment, ensuring contributions are directed effectively to support specialised care and reach those who need the funds most. The campaign has two fund-raising arms – the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, which has been a leading humanitarian entity since 1983, and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, Abu Dhabi's official channel to receive social contributions. How to contribute Individuals and institutions can make donations using various platforms: Awqaf Abu Dhabi's digital donation platform Send the word "Life" in a text message using the e& Emirates network to the following numbers: 3557 to donate Dh10, 3556 to donate Dh50, 3225 to donate Dh100 and 3223 to donate Dh500 Send the word "Life" in a text message using the du network to the following numbers: 3583 to donate Dh10, 3585 to donate Dh50, 3586 to donate Dh100 and 3587 to donate Dh500
Zawya
43 minutes ago
- Zawya
Policy shortcomings puts SAF production at risk
New Delhi – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it expects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reach 2 million tonnes (Mt) (2.5 billion liters) or 0.7% of airlines' total fuel consumption in 2025. 'While it is encouraging that SAF production is expected to double to 2 million tonnes in 2025, that is just 0.7% of aviation's total fuel needs. And even that relatively small amount will add $4.4 billion globally to the fuel bill. The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. The Problem with the Use of Mandates Most SAF is now heading toward Europe, where the EU and UK mandates kicked in on 1 January 2025. Unacceptably, the cost of SAF to airlines has now doubled in Europe because of compliance fees that SAF producers or suppliers are charging. For the expected one million tonnes of SAF that will be purchased to meet the European mandates in 2025, the expected cost at current market prices is $1.2 billion. Compliance fees are estimated to add an additional $1.7 billion on top of market prices—an amount that could have abated an additional 3.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Instead of promoting the use of SAF, Europe's SAF mandates have made SAF five times more costly than conventional jet fuel. 'This highlights the problem with the implementation of mandates before there are sufficient market conditions and before safeguards are in place against unreasonable market practices that raise the cost of decarbonization. Raising the cost of the energy transition that is already estimated to be a staggering $4.7 trillion should not be the aim or the result of decarbonization policies. Europe needs to realize that its approach is not working and find another way,' said Walsh. IATA's Role in Supporting the Development of a Global SAF Market To support the development of a global SAF market, IATA has worked on two initiatives: A SAF registry managed by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) that brings a transparent and standardized system for tracking SAF purchases, usage and associated emissions reductions in compliance with international regulations such as Carbon Offsetting Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The SAF Matchmaker that will facilitate SAF procurement by matching airline requests for SAF with supply offers. Urgent Action by Governments Is Needed IATA urges governments to focus on three areas: Creating more effective policies. Eliminating the disadvantage that renewable energy producers face compared with big oil is necessary to scale renewable energy production in general and SAF production in particular. This includes redirecting a portion of the $1 trillion in subsidies that governments globally grant for fossil fuel. Develop a comprehensive approach to energy policy that includes SAF. Firstly, advancing SAF production requires an increase in renewable energy production from which SAF is derived. Secondly, it also requires policies to ensure SAF is allocated an appropriate portion of renewable energy production. A wholistic approach should support joint use of infrastructure, co-production and other measures that will benefit the energy transition for aviation and for all other economic sectors. Ensure the success of CORSIA as the sole market-based mechanism to address international aviation's CO2 emissions. IATA urges governments to make Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) available to airlines. To date Guyana is the only state to have made their carbon credits available for airlines to purchase and claim against their CORSIA obligations. Focus on India India, one of the emerging economies on the world stage today, is the third-largest oil user after the US and China. India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and economic growth. This includes a target for 2% SAF blending for international flights by 2028 with enabling policies such as guaranteed pricing, capital support for new projects, and technical standards. IATA will be working with the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and Praj Industries Limited, to provide guidance on global best practices for life cycle assessment of the use of feedstocks in the country. As the third-largest global civil aviation market, India can strengthen its leadership in biofuels with the accelerated adoption of SAF through progressive policies. -Ends- For more information, please contact: Corporate Communications Email: corpcomms@ IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic. You can follow us on X for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information. Fly Net Zero.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Six Degrees graduation showcase celebrates a year of student creativity and achievement
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, Six Degrees, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. Six Degrees Graduate Showcase In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programs—architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centered cities and products for the future,' said H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognized for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. ' Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognized for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. AUS Artist-in-Residence showcase This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered color, ornamentation and abstraction—offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. Exhibition Details: The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. Dates and Open times: From June 1, the exhibition will be open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Location: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park For more information, please contact, caadcomms@ Video:
