Flydubai has become the first UAE-based carrier to serve the Malaysian islands of Penang and Langkawi with daily flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB). The two new Malaysian destinations offer visitors from the UAE network, a blend of heritage, adventure, and relaxation, and the services are expected to open new outward streams of leisure travel from Dubai, according to the carrier.
On a date specifically chosen to mark the first day of the Chinese New Year, the carrier inaugurated its operations to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and Penang International Airport (PEN) on February 10, 2024. The inaugural flight from Dubai to Penang was met with a traditional water cannon salute and a welcome committee made up of local dignitaries.
With the start of flights to Penang and Langkawi, flydubai is embarking on an expansion drive involving its network in Southeast Asia. The airline now serves four destinations in two countries, which along with the two new destinations, also serves Krabi (KBV) and Pattaya (UTP) in Thailand.
“We are pleased to see our presence grow in Southeast Asia with the addition of Penang and Langkawi to our growing network,” said Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations at flydubai. “Flydubai remains committed to opening up underserved markets and with the start of our daily service, we look forward to offering our passengers more opportunities to explore the beautiful region.”
“We are thrilled that flydubai has introduced Dubai to Penang and Langkawi, marking the first new direct flight route for our airport this year,” said YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy. “We believe this will be another key international route from Penang, and we applaud Flydubai’s efforts to make Penang a destination of choice for many regional travelers.”
Flydubai is utilizing its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on the new routes, of which the carrier has 56 in service. These aircraft feature 10 lie-flat seats in business class which also features internationally-inspired menus and an immersive entertainment system. The planes also have seating for 156 economy class passengers.
All flydubai flights to Langkawi operate via Penang, offering passengers from the UAE and across the region the opportunity to visit both destinations during a single trip.
Flights operate daily from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), departing at 04:10 and arriving in Penang at 15:05 as flight FZ1603. The onward flight departs Penang at 16:05 arriving at Langkawi at 16:45.
The return flight to Dubai via Penang leaves Langkawi as FZ1604 at 19:45, arriving in Penang at 20:45. The last leg departs Penang at 21:45 arriving back in Dubai at 01:05.
In addition to the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the carrier also operates 29 Boeing 737-800s which seat 174 passengers, and three 737 MAX 9s which seat 172 passengers, both configured in a two-class arrangement.
