UAE low-cost carrier Flydubai has inaugurated its twice-weekly service to Iași, becoming the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights to Romania's second-largest city, the Dubai-based airline announced on September 19.

The inaugural flight landed at Iași International Airport to a water cannon salute and welcome from local officials. With the new service, Flydubai grows its Romanian network to two destinations alongside Bucharest. It plans to increase Bucharest flights to triple daily service from late October, bringing total weekly frequency to Romania to 21 flights.

Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce at Flydubai, said Romania has been a significant market since flights began in 2012. Passenger numbers have grown by an average of 16% annually on the Bucharest route, with flights increasing from three times weekly to triple daily service.

"By introducing Iași as our second destination in Romania, alongside our planned increase in flights to Bucharest from the end of October, we are confident these enhancements will offer our customers greater convenience and more opportunities to experience the country's culture and business opportunities," Efendi said.

Romeo Vatră, general manager of Iași Airport, said the direct Dubai connection marks a significant milestone, making Iași Airport the only facility in the Moldova region offering direct connections to the UAE. He welcomed the partnership and thanked Flydubai for choosing the city.

Known as Romania's cultural capital, Iași features historical sites including the Palace of Culture, housing four museums, the Metropolitan Cathedral in Italian-Renaissance style, and Romania's oldest theatre, the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre.

Flights operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport, with Emirates codesharing on the route. Return business class fares from Dubai start from AED8,000 ($2,178), whilst economy class lite fares begin at AED1,600 ($436).

The carrier recently launched services to Chișinău in Moldova and plans to add Vilnius and Riga in December.