Dubai-based carrier flydubai is deepening its footprint in the Italian market with a significant frequency boost on two key routes. From 31 July, the airline will operate double-daily flights to Milan-Bergamo and daily services to Naples, reinforcing its position as a major point-to-point operator between the Gulf and southern Europe.
Strategic expansion in Italy
The expanded schedule reflects flydubai's broader push to capture demand from both leisure and business travellers. Milan-Bergamo, a hub for low-cost and charter traffic, becomes a core gateway for the airline, while Naples serves as a vital link to the Campania region and the Amalfi Coast. The carrier also maintains thrice-weekly flights to Catania and seasonal services to Olbia, giving Italian passengers more options across the country.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Naples and Milan have become key gateways into our Italian network and we are pleased to have expanded the frequency of our operations to both cities.” He emphasised the airline's commitment to strengthening connectivity to underserved destinations, a strategy that has seen flydubai grow its European network steadily over the past year.
Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce, highlighted the importance of the Italian market. “The increased services underscore flydubai's dedication to offering seamless, non-stop access to key destinations,” he said, noting that the airline continues to invest in routes that deliver both commercial value and passenger convenience.
Temporary reroute to Salerno
From 1 to 30 November, flydubai will temporarily shift its Naples operations to Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Cilento Airport while Naples International Airport undergoes maintenance. Passengers with existing bookings will be automatically rebooked, ensuring minimal disruption. Services to Naples International Airport will resume on 1 December.
This reroute is not unprecedented; airlines often adjust schedules during infrastructure works, but flydubai's proactive communication and automatic rebooking policy are designed to maintain traveller confidence. Salerno, which has seen growing interest as an alternative gateway to the Amalfi Coast, will benefit from the temporary influx of international traffic.
Network growth beyond Italy
The Italian expansion is part of a wider network strategy. flydubai has recently launched routes to Aleppo, Bangkok, and Benghazi, and will begin services to Pokhara, Nepal, on 23 September. The carrier also plans to restore its Dubai-Budapest link with daily flights from October, further solidifying its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.
For travel professionals, the increased frequencies to Milan-Bergamo and Naples open up new possibilities for tour packaging, especially for Italian coastal and cultural itineraries. The double-daily Milan service provides greater flexibility for business travellers and connections through Dubai to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Onboard product enhancements
flydubai continues to invest in the passenger experience. Its modern fleet features lie-flat seats in Business Class and ergonomic seating in Economy. The airline will soon introduce Starlink high-speed connectivity across its fleet, a move that will appeal to both leisure and corporate travellers who expect seamless internet access during flights.
The carrier's expansion aligns with broader trends in the aviation industry, where Gulf carriers are increasingly targeting secondary European cities. As flydubai restores its Budapest link, the airline demonstrates a clear appetite for rebuilding and growing its European network.
For agents and tour operators, the new frequencies offer more inventory and better timing options. The daily Naples service, for instance, allows for weekend breaks and extended stays, while the double-daily Milan-Bergamo flights support both short-haul connections and long-haul itineraries via Dubai.
flydubai's strategy of pairing high-frequency routes with underserved destinations is paying off. The airline's focus on Italy, combined with its expanding Asian network, positions it well for the upcoming winter season. As the carrier continues to add capacity, travel buyers should watch for further announcements, particularly in the Mediterranean and South Asia.
With the temporary Salerno reroute, flydubai is also testing the viability of an alternative airport that could become a permanent option for future schedules. The move underscores the airline's operational flexibility and its willingness to adapt to infrastructure constraints while maintaining service continuity.
