flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, announced that three Ukrainian cities - Kiev, Kharkiv and Donetsk - would become new destinations on the airline’s rapidly growing network.

Flights from Dubai will begin in September 2011 - on 16th September from Kiev and Kharkiv, and on 17th September - from Donetsk.

“We are very excited about the start of our services to Ukraine,” CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said. “Part of flydubai’s commitment is to open up routes that are underserved by direct air links to the UAE and that is one of the reasons we have chosen Ukraine and these three cities as our destinations. We believe the introduction of this new service will help to strengthen the ties between Ukraine and the UAE and that both nations will benefit from the additional trade, tourism and development that increased traffic on this route will bring.”

“We are honoured to have been granted permission to fly from the prestigious Terminal F in Kiev and would like to thank the Ukrainian authorities for their support and assistance with making our new flights to the country a reality. I am confident these new routes will provide great benefits for both countries in terms of increased trade, tourism and commerce.

“We believe this route has tremendous potential and that travellers in both directions will enjoy the friendly on board service, clean, new aircraft and good prices that flydubai is becoming known for.

“flydubai will be partnering with leading tour operator Natalie Tours, which will give Ukrainian travellers the option of high quality package holidays to the UAE as well as direct flights to Dubai and beyond through flydubai.

“There is so much for visitors to the UAE to enjoy. Everyone knows about the shopping benefits to be had in Dubai but there is so much more to the Emirates than fabulous shopping. We enjoy some of the most wonderful beaches in the world, amazing hotels and entertainment that is world class. As well as being able to marvel at some of the modern wonders of the world, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, visitors will enjoy the welcome and warmth of the people of the UAE.”

Fares include 20kg checked baggage allowance, 7kg hand baggage allowance and all taxes and charges. Flights can be purchased on flydubai’s website (flydubai.com), or via a local travel partner.

Passengers can also pay a small additional fee (around USD 28) to guarantee the extra legroom positions, but all of flydubai’s seats have two inches more space than traditional economy seats, thanks to a clever redesign of the seat pocket, which is usually at knee height.