Fly Dubai Airlines has postponed the launch of its flights to the southernmost Addu City's Gan International Airport.
Inner Maldives, the local agent of the UAE budget airline, said in a press release that Fly Dubai has postponed its flights scheduled to be launched on February 4. Instead, the airline will next start flights to Addu City on June 24, Inner Maldives said.
According to the statement, the airline decided to postpone the launch of the flights to Addu as it needed more time to market the flights. In this regard, Fly Dubai will participate in travel expos at eight destinations to promote its flights to Addu. They are Madrid, Zurich, Moscow, Berlin, Cape Town, Almaty, Dubai, and Riyadh.
Inner Maldives' Managing Director, Mohamed Firaq, said the decision created a good opportunity to promote the Maldives' south in major tourism markets. Those who have already booked tickets for the February flights will be offered free domestic tickets and two days' stay in Dubai, he said.
The lack of direct international flights to Addu City is a major concern for the Addu City City Council and some tourism operators. Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has also said there is a need to increase international flights to the city and increase the number of tourist beds to expand tourism in Addu.
