Experience Kenya’s Coastal Beauty Away From UAE With Flydubai Mombasa

Beyond the magical Kenyan savannah dotted by fascinating wildlife sights and lush scenery, Kenya’s coast is a gem waiting to be discovered via Flydubai Mombasa.

Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu are the peak of domestic and international tourism in Kenya now welcoming travelers from Dubai and the entire Middle East. All this is thanks to a recent launch by the Dubai-based United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier to fly directly to and from Mombasa.

It is a big move in the aviation industry, more so for budget-conscious travellers who waited for eight years for operations to begin. Former Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia granted the airline rights to operate in Mombasa in 2016. However, it only started operations in the coastal city of Kenya in January 2024.

Is Flydubai Mombasa Operational?

Direct flights to Mombasa via FlyDubai are operational. The airline has scheduled flights on the route using a Boeing 737 aircraft, operating four times weekly between Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

As per Flydubai’s online booking information, ticket prices for the Dubai to Mombasa route begin at 846 United Arab Emirates Dirhams (equivalent to Sh37,000), aligning with Kenya Airways’ initial fares for economy class.

Flydubai Mombasa has its four weekly flights scheduled for Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The entry of the UAE carrier is an actionable competition for Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ). KQ has for the longest time dominated this route and Flydubai’s entry only raises competition on this route with a lot of traffic.

Is Flydubai Same as Emirates?

Flydubai is not the same as Emirates even though they are both domiciled in the UAE. They are distinct airlines with the only similarity being their core operation which is flying to different destinations across the world. Here are a few pointers to the differences between the two airlines including Flydubai Mombasa addition.

In terms of ownership, Emirates is the flagship carrier of the Emirates Group, a government-owned conglomerate, and boasts a luxurious, global network. Flydubai, on the other hand, is a privately-owned low-cost carrier, focusing on regional destinations and affordable fares.

Considerably, Flydubai keeps it nimble with its fleet which is an all-Boeing 737 fleet. This is ideal for shorter hops across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa where it operates majorly.  In contrast, Emirates flies a sophisticated fleet of wide-body Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, conquering intercontinental routes.

Further, Emirates caters to premium travellers with plush cabins, extensive entertainment options, and award-winning inflight service. Inversely, the low-cost airline emphasizes value, offering clean and comfortable cabins with basic amenities, keeping the focus on getting you there affordably.

Despite their distinctions, Emirates and Flydubai have established a strategic partnership with the following benefits:

• Codeshare flights: You can book your journey with one airline but travel seamlessly on the other, effortlessly connecting between their networks.
• Baggage transfer: When transitioning between the two carriers, your luggage will be checked through to your ultimate destination.
• Skywards Miles: Emirates’ loyalty program, Skywards, allows you to earn and redeem miles on Flydubai Mombasa and other flights, providing you with additional perks.

Which Terminal Does Flydubai Operate from?

Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3 is the main hub for Flydubai. It offers seamless service for all passengers using the carrier and it has a reputation for its great services and modern amenities.  However, there are a few Flydubai flights that operate from Terminal 2 of DXB. This mainly applies to flights to and from specific destinations.

What is Flydubai Famous for?

In relation to Flydubai Mombasa, this low-cost UAE airline is highly affordable and appeals to most budget travelers. It has always offered competitive airfare since its launch in 2009 across all its destinations in Africa.  Additionally, it flies to lesser-known destinations that bigger airlines don’t fly to.

The airline intends to collaborate with Emirates for codesharing on the route, providing passengers with additional connection options through Dubai’s international aviation hub. With the commencement of flights to Mombasa, Flydubai has expanded its network in Africa to 11 destinations across 10 countries. These destinations include Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, and Zanzibar.