Dubai-based flydubai has officially launched its Bangkok service, marking the start of its first double daily route outside of the GCC.

The inaugural flight from Dubai International Terminal 2 landed at Bangkok International Airport today, providing connecting routes for travel through Dubai.

Commenting on the launch of the new route, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, "Today’s inaugural flight to Bangkok is a significant milestone for our airline and represents the increasing maturity of flydubai’s network. We look forward to offering business and leisure travellers from both Dubai and Bangkok increased choice and flexibility across our network."

Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial for GCC, Subcontinent and Africa at flydubai, commented, "With the addition of this important city to flydubai’s growing network we will not only offer passengers from Dubai alternative travel options through Thailand, but additionally connect Thailand to Russia and Europe via Dubai, strengthening the UAE’s position as an international travel hub."

Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas of Tourism Authority Thailand said, "flydubai’s new direct flights between Dubai and Bangkok adds another welcome dimension to UAE-Thailand relations in a number of ways. The start of these flights brings fresh promise to our business and trade ties, our respective roles as regional trade fair capitals, and to our cultural and tourism development."

Thailand is the latest addition to flydubai’s network of more than 90 destinations, offering increased choice and flexibility for business and leisure passengers. By the end of the second half of the year the airline will have added eight new aircraft to its fleet.