flydubai has continued its steady expansion across Europe with the launch of new nonstop flights to Vilnius, Lithuania, and Riga, Latvia, adding two Baltic capitals to its growing route network.
Timed to coincide with the busy winter and Christmas travel season, the new services offer travelers greater choice while strengthening links between Dubai and Northern Europe. The additions reflect flydubai’s strategy of connecting underserved markets to Dubai’s global aviation hub while catering to both leisure and business demand.
Flights to Vilnius began on December 12, 2025, followed by the inaugural service to Riga on December 13. Both routes operate three times per week, providing reliable and consistent access throughout the winter season and beyond. With these launches, flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer nonstop flights between Dubai and Lithuania, while also opening a new direct air bridge to Latvia. The airline expects the routes to stimulate tourism flows, deepen commercial ties, and support cultural exchange between the Gulf region and the Baltic States.
Vilnius and Riga are increasingly appealing to travelers seeking authentic European destinations without the congestion of major capitals. Their historic old towns, medieval architecture, and strong cultural identities offer a slower, more immersive travel experience, particularly attractive during winter.
Seasonal festivities, snow-covered streets, and traditional markets give both cities a distinctive atmosphere that aligns well with holiday travel trends. For travelers departing Dubai, the routes provide access to a different side of Europe, while Baltic travelers gain a direct connection to one of the world’s most important global transit hubs.
Expanding Connectivity Between Dubai and the Baltics
Onboard, flydubai continues to position itself as a hybrid carrier with a focus on comfort and value. Business Class passengers benefit from lie-flat seating, enhanced privacy, and an internationally inspired dining concept designed for long-haul comfort. Economy Class travelers are offered complimentary in-flight entertainment and meals, reinforcing the airline’s efforts to deliver a consistent experience across cabins. This approach allows flydubai to appeal to a wide range of travelers, from holidaymakers to corporate passengers.
The new routes are fully integrated into the flydubai–Emirates partnership, offering seamless connections through Dubai. Travelers can benefit from single-ticket itineraries, checked-through baggage, and access to an extensive combined network spanning more than 240 destinations worldwide. This connectivity positions Vilnius and Riga as convenient gateways not only for point-to-point travel, but also for onward journeys across Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
The Baltic expansion builds on flydubai’s broader European growth strategy. In recent years, the airline has launched new services to destinations across Central and Eastern Europe, steadily increasing its footprint beyond traditional Western European markets. By 2025, flydubai serves 35 destinations across 20 European countries, underscoring its focus on strategic, long-term network development.
As travelers continue to seek new destinations and alternative city experiences, flydubai’s entry into the Baltic States highlights a shift toward diversified, culturally rich markets. The new Vilnius and Riga services mark another step in the airline’s ambition to connect Dubai with emerging European gateways while supporting sustainable growth on both sides of the route.
