flydubai launches new route to Najaf in Iraq from its Dubai base

flydubai launched its fourth route to Iraq on 29 January, less than two weeks after launching flights to the country capital Baghdad. The low-cost airline now flies three times weekly, on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from its Dubai (DXB) base to Najaf (NJF) with its 189-seat 737-800s. Iraqi Airways competes on the route, also operating thrice-weekly between the airports. Further indirect competition at Dubai’s neighbouring emirate Sharjah also comes from Air Arabia’s four weekly Najaf flights. At the time of the inaugural flight, flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “The new service reflects our strategy to link Dubai with underserved airports, making it more convenient for inbound and outbound passengers. At a time when a number of international airlines are looking at opportunities in Iraq, flydubai is leading the way with direct flights to four cities across the country in just 18 months. I am also pleased to report that our first flight today was sold out, which highlights the demand for travel to Najaf.”