Flydubai revises economy fares

Low cost carrier Flydubai on Wednesday announced a new fare structure for economy passengers.

The lite, value and flex fare split applies to all bookings from December 2. Flydubai did not say if overall fares had been increased.

Value and flex fare types will come with a meal included, while lite fares will have the option of buying onboard catering.

Meal options will vary depending on the route but include sandwiches, hot wraps, hot meals and bento boxes.

“We recognise the challenges and the opportunities that come from operating in such a diverse network,” said Flydubai senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce Jeyhun Efendi.

“Passengers travelling on flydubai to Muscat, Moscow or Helsinki have different travel needs and preferences and the new fare types will help enhance their flydubai experience by simplifying the booking journey and offering the option to choose between unbundled or bundled packages.”

Flydubai has sought to position itself in a more premium category than other regional budget carriers after introducing a business class product in 2013.

Read: Flydubai Launches Business Class Services

The airline said business fares would be unaffected by the changes and continue to include a larger baggage allowance, meal options, complimentary inflight entertainment and other add-ons.

The changes to economy fares come after the carrier more than doubled its losses in the first half of its financial year citing higher fuel costs and tough economic conditions.

Read: Flydubai doubles losses in first half of 2018

Flydubai said in September had cancelled flights to some destinations and invested in others after conducting a route review in the face of rising interest rates and the stronger dollar.