Langkawi Island welcomed its first flight from FlyDubai, which originated from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday (Feb 10).
The plane landed at 4.25pm and was received by the management of the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), government agencies, and Langkawi’s tourism industry players.
Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, Lada’s CEO, announced that FlyDubai’s flight route begins at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport, with a stopover at Penang International Airport before continuing to Langkawi International Airport.
The airline operates Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for its Malaysia route and offers daily flights, increasing the total scheduled flights to Langkawi to 185 per week.
“This new route will bring economic benefits by attracting tourists from West Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond,” Haslina said in a statement on Saturday.
“It also provides a convenient travel experience for passengers from over 120 destinations to Langkawi via Dubai, UAE.”
Lada has introduced the Special Charter Flight Incentive Programme to aid airlines in starting flights to the island.
“One of the incentives being offered this year is the Maiden Flight Incentive, which rewards airlines initiating new routes to Langkawi and maintaining scheduled flights for at least one year,” she explained.
Haslina also mentioned that discussions with FlyDubai began in 2019 and resumed in November 2022, ultimately leading to the airline’s intent to start scheduled flights to Langkawi.
Last year, on Sept 21, the company officially announced the direct scheduled flight route to Langkawi. – Bernama
