New Europe flights: flydubai becomes first UAE airline to link Dubai with Iași, Riga and Vilnius
Emirates codeshare expands passenger connectivity on all new routes
DUBAI-based airline flydubai is set to expand its European footprint with the launch of four new routes to Chișinău, Iași, Riga and Vilnius.
Flights to the Moldovan and Romanian cities will commence in September 2025, followed by services to the Latvian and Lithuanian capitals in December 2025. With these additions, flydubai's European network will cover 35 destinations in 20 countries.
The announcement marks a milestone for the airline as it becomes the first UAE carrier to operate direct services between Dubai and Iași International Airport (IAS) in Romania, as well as Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia and Vilnius International Airport (VNO) in Lithuania. The move also brings flydubai's global network to over 135 destinations in 58 countries, with more than 100 of those classed as underserved routes from Dubai.
New Europe flights
Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is renowned for its green spaces and historic white limestone buildings. Situated on the river Bîc, the city offers travellers a mix of unique architecture, sprawling parks, and a tranquil atmosphere often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Iași, Romania’s second-largest city and one of the country’s oldest urban centres, is steeped in history and culture. Known for its grand public buildings, vibrant academic community, and artistic heritage, Iași is an emerging destination with much to offer discerning travellers.
flydubai began operating to Romania in 2012 with the launch of its Bucharest route. The addition of Iași represents the airline’s continued commitment to enhancing connectivity across Eastern Europe.
First in Baltics
Riga and Vilnius mark flydubai’s first foray into the Baltic region. Riga, Latvia’s capital, is celebrated for its wooden architecture, medieval Old Town, and dynamic cultural scene.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, boasts a UNESCO-listed Old Town and is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities.
These additions are set to increase the airline’s presence in a relatively untapped region, providing convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers. Passengers flying to these new cities can also benefit from seamless connections to the wider Emirates network through flydubai’s codeshare agreement with the UAE’s flagship carrier.
Flight and ticket details
Flights to Chișinău International Airport (RMO) and Iași International Airport (IAS) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Business Class return fares to both destinations start from Dh8,000, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at Dh1,600.
Services to Vilnius International Airport (VNO) and Riga International Airport (RIX) will depart from Terminal 3, offering increased convenience for passengers transferring onto Emirates flights. Business Class return fares to Vilnius and Riga start from Dh7,500, with Economy Class Lite fares from Dh2,200 and Dh1,800 respectively.
All four new destinations will benefit from the codeshare partnership between flydubai and Emirates, providing access to an extended global route map and streamlined booking through both carriers.
| Start Date | Flight Number | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Frequency |
| 17 September | FZ 781/782 | Terminal 2, DXB | Chișinău International Airport (RMO) | 2 weekly flights |
| 19 September | FZ 783/784 | Terminal 2, DXB | Iași International Airport (IAS) | 2 weekly flights |
| 11 December | FZ 1263/1264 | Terminal 3, DXB | Vilnius International Airport (VNO) | 3 weekly flights |
| 12 December | FZ 1441/1442 | Terminal 3, DXB | Riga International Airport (RIX) | 3 weekly flights |
Passengers can now book flights to the new destinations via flydubai’s website, mobile app, UAE contact centre, travel shops, and authorised travel partners. Full flight schedules are available on flydubai.com.
Strategic expansion
Commenting on the launch, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “The expansion of our network reflects our unwavering commitment to opening up underserved markets and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism. With our new services to Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, we look forward to strengthening the UAE’s trade and cultural links and supporting Dubai’s position as an international aviation hub.”
Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, added: “Europe remains an important market for flydubai and we are excited to grow our network with the addition of Chișinău, Iași, Riga and Vilnius. These gateways will enable more passengers to enjoy an enhanced travel experience with a convenient service to Dubai and beyond.”