DUBAI: flydubai, the renowned Dubai-based carrier, has announced an interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines, effective from September 9, 2024.
The collaborative initiative aims to facilitate expanded travel opportunities between the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and various destinations beyond, thereby enhancing the travel experience for passengers of both airlines.
Under this new agreement, passengers traveling with flydubai will gain access to 16 destinations within SriLankan Airlines’ extensive network, which encompasses key locations across Southern and East Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Noteworthy cities include Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo—all vital nodes in global air travel that cater to both business and leisure travelers alike. This strategic partnership signifies a commitment to provide customers with broader options, ultimately improving their overall travel experience.
Conversely, SriLankan Airlines’ passengers will benefit from the opportunity to connect through Dubai’s bustling aviation hub, which serves numerous international routes.
Cementing tourism ties
The access includes over 30 destinations serviced by flydubai across Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe, and the Middle East. Popular destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent, and Zanzibar are among the many locales that will now be more accessible to travelers flying with SriLankan Airlines.
The interlining agreement not only enhances route availability but also enriches the travel itinerary of passengers who seek diverse and culturally enriching experiences.
The significance of this partnership is underscored by the statements of both airlines’ Chief Executive Officers. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, highlighting its potential to bolster trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka.
Since commencing operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, flydubai has observed a steady and growing demand for travel between these two dynamic regions. Al Ghaith emphasised that the arrangement opens new horizons for passengers, further establishing Dubai as a thriving aviation hub conducive to international travel.
On the other hand, Richard Nuttall, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, articulated his satisfaction with the partnership, noting that it aligns with the airline’s strategic ambitions to expand its network and enhance global outreach.
By collaborating with flydubai, SriLankan Airlines aims to offer its customers the convenience of seamless connections and a wider array of travel choices. Nuttall’s comments reflect the airlines’ collective goal of providing passengers with greater convenience and flexibility, thereby enriching their travel experiences.
The agreement also introduces practical benefits for travelers, such as the convenience of single-ticket itineraries, through-checked baggage, and coordinated flight schedules. These enhancements streamline the travel process, effectively reducing transit times and minimizing potential disruptions. Such operational efficiencies are particularly valuable in an industry where customer satisfaction is paramount.
