flydubai has launched direct flights between Dubai International (DXB) and Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN), marking the first time a UAE carrier has served the Libyan city. The service, which began on 18 June 2026, operates three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing from Terminal 3.
The inaugural flight was greeted with a water cannon salute and a reception from local airport officials, underscoring the significance of the new link for Libya's connectivity. The route is part of flydubai's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa, a continent the carrier has identified as a key growth market.
Network Expansion and Codeshare Benefits
With the addition of Benghazi, flydubai now serves 13 destinations across nine African countries. The airline's network includes cities such as Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Entebbe, Khartoum, and Zanzibar, among others. The new route is operated under the existing codeshare partnership with Emirates, allowing passengers to book a single ticket and check baggage through to their final destination. Travelers can connect via Dubai to Emirates' global network, including long-haul routes to North America, Asia, and Europe.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, commented: “With the busy summer period upon us and as we continue to scale up our operations, our customers can benefit from a new gateway to Africa with the launch of our new nonstop service to Benghazi.” Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, added: “Africa remains a strategically important market for flydubai and we are pleased to have added Benghazi to our network.”
Pricing and Schedule
Return Business Class fares from Dubai start at $2,860 (AED 10,500), while Economy Class Lite fares begin at $1,225 (AED 4,500). From Benghazi, Business Class fares start at $2,500, with Economy Class Lite fares from $800. The flights are timed to offer convenient connections for both business and leisure travelers.
The new service comes as Libya's aviation sector gradually reopens to international carriers. Benghazi Benina International Airport has undergone upgrades to accommodate increased traffic, and the route is expected to support trade and tourism flows between the UAE and Libya. For travel agents and tour operators, the direct link provides a new option for clients seeking to explore Libya's Mediterranean coast and historical sites, or for business travelers involved in reconstruction and energy sectors.
flydubai's expansion into Benghazi follows a pattern of adding underserved routes in Africa and the Middle East. The carrier has previously launched services to destinations such as Krabi, Thailand, and Najaf, Iraq, and continues to grow its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline's partnership with Emirates, which includes codeshare and interline agreements, allows it to offer a broader network without operating its own long-haul widebody fleet.
Industry observers note that the route could also serve as a feeder for Emirates' long-haul flights from Dubai, particularly to North America and Asia. The codeshare arrangement means passengers can book a single itinerary combining flydubai's regional network with Emirates' global reach, a model that has proven successful for both carriers.
For travel professionals, the new service represents a niche opportunity in a market that has been underserved since the Libyan civil war. While security concerns remain, the UAE's diplomatic and economic ties with Libya have strengthened, and the route is seen as a vote of confidence in the country's recovery. Agents and tour operators should monitor visa requirements and travel advisories, but the direct flight offers a more convenient option than previous connections via Tunis or Istanbul.
flydubai's move also aligns with broader trends in the aviation industry, where carriers are increasingly targeting secondary cities in Africa to capture demand. The continent's growing middle class and improving infrastructure make it an attractive market for expansion, despite challenges such as currency volatility and regulatory hurdles.
