Taif has been named as flydubai's seventh destination in Saudi Arabia as part of the airline's strategy to connect the UAE to destinations previously under-served by direct air links, said the airline's chief executive Ghaith al Ghaith.
"By continuing to identify emerging cities such as Taif, we hope to continue promoting new avenues for trade and commercial ties across our network," he said.
Situated 1,700m above sea level in Hejaz province, Taif is a local beauty and holiday spot thanks to its temperate climate and beautiful scenery. With tree-lined streets, large souks and almost 3,000 gardens, the city is reportedly gaining prominence around the region as an alternative short-holiday destination. Located less than 100km by road from Makkah, Taif is also an alternative gateway for travellers to the holy city.
In tandem with developing its route network, flydubai said it had underscored the importance of Saudi Arabia to its growth strategy by increasing the frequency of existing operations to the kingdom.
The airline now flies twice daily to Damman and Riyadh following increasing demand for flights between Dubai and two of Saudi Arabia's main business hubs.
With the launch of operations to Taif, flydubai will operate a total of 55 weekly flights to destinations across the kingdom.
Flights to Taif will operate three times a week and will commence on 1 February. FZ875 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1925hrs, landing in Taif Regional Airport at 2130hrs local time. The return flight, FZ876, departs at 2230hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0220hrs the next day.
The airline, meanwhile, named Bishkek as its 50th destination, marking its entry into the Kyrgyz Republic.
The service, which is due to begin on 7 February, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights to Kyrgyz Republic.
Flights will operate twice a week, departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
© The Gulf 2012
