Dubai-based flydubai has announced its intention to expand its European operations with flights to four more cities across the continent. Destinations in Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania will see service from the carrier, with the new routes due to start from September 2025.
On May 29, 2025, flydubai announced it will begin flights between Dubai and Iași and Chișinău in Romania in September 2025, with Vilnius in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia following in December 2025. The addition of these routes grows the carrier’s worldwide network to more than 135 destinations in 58 countries, with its European network reaching 35 destinations across 20 countries.
At three out of the four new destinations (excluding Chișinău), flydubai will become the first UAE carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to these cities. The carrier first started operating to Romania in 2012 with the launch of flights to Bucharest from Dubai. The announcement of the quartet of new routes 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.
Flights to Chișinău International Airport (RMO) and Iași International Airport (IAS) will operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). The new routes will start on September 19, 2025, and September 19, 2025, respectively. There will be two flights per week to Chișinău and also two flights per week to Iași.
Flights to Vilnius International Airport (VNO) will commence on September 11, 2025, with three flights per week, while flights to Riga International Airport (RIX) will start on December 12, 2025, also three times weekly. Flydubai’s parent company, Emirates, will codeshare on all four routes, offering passengers over one hundred options for connections through Dubai International Airport (DXB).
“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,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai. 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, added, “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.”
More about the new destinations
According to a flydubai statement, Chișinău, situated on the river Bîc, “is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. Famous for its historic white limestone buildings, unique architecture, and sprawling natural parks, Moldova’s capital is the ideal destination for those who want to travel off the beaten path. Iași, Romania’s second-largest city, is a vibrant hub with a rich history. One of the oldest cities in the country, Iași features stunning historical sites and charming neighbourhoods.”
Of the other new destinations, “As capital cities of these Baltic states, Riga in Latvia and Vilnius in Lithuania offer visitors the chance to discover their magnificent architecture and UNESCO World Heritage old towns.”
According to ch-aviation, flydubai currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 88 aircraft, including 28 737-800s, 57 737 MAX 8s, and three 737 MAX 9s. Furthermore, in 2023, the carrier placed an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners, adding to an outstanding order book of a further 127 737 MAX family aircraft.
