Dubai-based carrier flydubai has broadened its interline network through new agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, giving passengers single-ticket access to more than 80 additional cities across Asia, Australia, and Europe. The partnerships also include through-checked baggage, simplifying connections via Dubai International (DXB).
The additions lift flydubai's interline roster to 46 airlines, extending its combined reach to over 300 destinations worldwide. The move reinforces Dubai's position as a pivotal global aviation hub, a status further supported by the carrier's recent launch of a dedicated freighter fleet at Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Expanding reach through Air India
Through Air India, flydubai customers can now book itineraries to key Indian metros such as Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Goa (GOI), as well as onward international points including Bali (DPS), Hong Kong (HKG), and Sydney (SYD). The tie-up leverages Air India's extensive domestic and long-haul network, complementing flydubai's own route map across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, said: “Our partnership with flydubai strengthens access to markets across the Middle East and beyond via Dubai.” The collaboration is expected to boost traffic flows between India and the Gulf, a corridor already among the world's busiest for international travel.
Uzbekistan Airways adds Central Asian and European links
Uzbekistan Airways will connect flydubai passengers via Tashkent (TAS) to destinations such as Moscow (SVO), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG). The agreement enhances connectivity between the UAE and Central Asia, while also opening new European gateways for travelers originating in the Gulf.
Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways, expressed confidence that the partnership will create new opportunities for passengers and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a key aviation hub in Central Asia. Tashkent has been investing in airport infrastructure and route development, and this deal aligns with that strategy.
Booking and passenger experience
Interline itineraries are bookable through flydubai’s website, mobile app, and travel partners, with a single ticket covering all segments. The carrier operates a modern Boeing 737 fleet, and the new agreements do not require additional aircraft or crew, making the expansion cost-efficient.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, stated: “Our interline partnerships with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways mark a significant step forward in flydubai’s network expansion strategy, offering our passengers greater choice as they connect through Dubai.”
The development comes as Gulf carriers continue to rebuild and expand their networks post-pandemic. Dubai's Arabian Travel Market expansion reflects this momentum, with the emirate's airlines and airports seeing strong traffic recovery.
For travel agents and tour operators, the expanded interline options provide more flexible routing and pricing, particularly for itineraries combining India, Central Asia, and Europe. The single-ticket convenience also reduces the risk of missed connections and baggage mishandling, a key selling point for corporate and leisure clients alike.
flydubai's strategy of building partnerships rather than adding long-haul aircraft allows it to compete effectively with legacy carriers while maintaining a lean cost base. The airline already codeshares with Emirates, and these new interline deals extend its virtual network without additional capital expenditure.
Industry analysts note that interline agreements are becoming increasingly important as airlines seek to offer global connectivity without the costs of fleet expansion. For flydubai, the partnerships with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways are a logical step in that direction.
