Published on
September 20, 2025
Flydubai has announced a decisive expansion of its European operations, featuring a significant uplift in Romanian services. The carrier will commence triple daily flights to Bucharest, complemented by the introduction of non-stop services to Iași, thereby consolidating its position as the preferred gateway between the UAE and Romania. The strategic addition of the Bucharest frequencies, together with the Iași launch, directly addresses sustained market demand, which has flourished within both the commercial and leisure segments. By elevating capacity and interlinking these points with its extensive Dubai hub, the airline seeks to deliver enhanced scheduling flexibility and seamless onward connections throughout the wider Middle Eastern and Eastern European markets, further entrenching its status as the benchmark carrier in the corridor as it enters the 2025 operating horizon.
Flydubai has introduced a direct air link between Dubai International Airport and Iași International Airport, becoming the first carrier from the United Arab Emirates to operate this route. The move significantly enhances accessibility to Eastern Romania and further strengthens ties between the UAE and the region.
A Milestone in UAE–Romania Air Connectivity
The launch of the new service marks an important step in bridging Dubai, a global aviation hub, with Iași, widely regarded as Romania’s cultural capital. The airline now operates flights to two Romanian cities, Iași and Bucharest, bringing the total number of weekly flights between the two nations to twenty-one.
The direct connection was celebrated in Iași with traditional aviation protocols, symbolizing the importance of this addition to the route map. The service reflects the growing demand for travel between Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with passenger traffic rising by an average of sixteen percent annually.
Expanded Operations to Romania
Flydubai’s expansion into Iași complements its well-established operations in Bucharest. With increased frequencies to Bucharest reaching a triple-daily schedule, travelers now enjoy more flexible options. This enhanced network ensures business and leisure travelers can connect with greater ease through Dubai, linking Romania to over two hundred global destinations via interline and codeshare agreements.
Flight Schedule and Fares
The flights between Dubai and Iași operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, using Dubai International Airport Terminal 2. The service is synchronized with Dubai’s global hub connectivity, offering seamless onward travel.
Outbound (FZ 783): Departure from Dubai at 09:25, arriving in Iași at 13:45Inbound (FZ 784): Departure from Iași at 14:45, arriving in Dubai at 21:00
Fares are positioned competitively to attract both leisure and corporate travelers. Economy Class Lite fares on the Dubai–Iași sector start from AED 1,600, while Business Class fares begin at AED 8,000. Return fares from Iași start from EUR 380 in Economy and EUR 2,000 in Business Class, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Romania’s Cultural Capital Welcomes Visitors
Located in the eastern part of the country near the border with Moldova, Iași is often referred to as Romania’s second-largest city and its cultural heart. Despite being relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism, the city offers an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and youthful vibrancy.
The city is renowned for its educational heritage, as home to Romania’s oldest university, and for its cultural contributions, with the country’s oldest national theatre located here. The atmosphere blends a strong historical character with a modern, student-driven energy, making it a fascinating destination for both short stays and extended cultural explorations.
Architectural and Cultural HighlightsPalace of Culture: This Neo-Gothic masterpiece houses four museums—History, Ethnography, Science, and Art—making it a hub of cultural exploration. Construction began in 1906 and concluded after the First World War, giving it a layered historical presence.Saint Nicholas Church: As the oldest religious building in Iași, it showcases medieval architecture and remains a deeply significant landmark for local heritage.Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery: Known for its intricate stone carvings and frescoes, this landmark attracts both spiritual pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.Metropolitan Cathedral: Romania’s largest Orthodox church continues to draw visitors for its living religious traditions and imposing design.
These attractions highlight Iași’s reputation as a city where art, religion, and history converge.
Green Spaces and Parks
Iași also appeals to those seeking outdoor experiences. Copou Park, founded in 1834, is one of the oldest public gardens in the country and remains a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. The Iași Botanical Garden, the largest in Romania, showcases an impressive collection of plants, including expansive rose gardens and tropical greenhouses. Both provide opportunities for relaxation and nature appreciation in an urban setting.
Day Trips Beyond Iași
The city also serves as a gateway to several notable regional attractions:
Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, these monasteries are renowned for their vivid exterior frescoes depicting biblical scenes. They are located about three hours from Iași and offer travelers a unique insight into Romania’s spiritual and artistic history.Chișinău, Moldova: Just across the border, Moldova’s capital makes for an engaging day trip. Its mix of Soviet architecture and vibrant Eastern European culture adds diversity to itineraries for travelers based in Iași.Local Cuisine and Gastronomic Delights
Iași offers authentic experiences through its traditional cuisine. Visitors can sample:
Mămăligă, a cornmeal dish served with cheese and cream.Mici (Mititei), grilled minced meat rolls flavored with garlic and spices.Plăcinte, versatile pastries with fillings such as cheese, cabbage, or apples.
Local restaurants and cafes provide both affordability and atmosphere, with open-air terraces in warmer months enhancing the culinary experience.
A City with Layers of History
The legacy of Romania’s communist era is still visible in parts of Iași. Soviet-style apartment blocks and industrial zones, such as Nicolina, present stark reminders of this chapter. For those interested in brutalist architecture or post-communist history, these areas provide striking contrasts to the city’s classical and medieval architecture.
At the same time, Iași has reinvented itself as a modern, youthful city, thriving with cultural events, bustling cafes, and nightlife driven by its student population.
Accessibility and Transport
Iași is served by multiple transport options that make exploration easy:
Air Travel: With the addition of Flydubai’s new service, Iași International Airport offers connections to major European cities via both full-service and low-cost airlines.Rail: Reliable train links connect Iași to Bucharest, Budapest, and Chisinau.Bus: Iași’s main bus station, conveniently located opposite the train station, provides long-distance connections across Romania and into neighboring Moldova.Climate and Best Time to Visit
Iași has a temperate-continental climate with distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be warm, with average temperatures ranging between twenty to thirty degrees Celsius, while winters are cold and snowy.
Sustainable Travel Opportunities
Visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly in Iași by supporting the local community. Choosing family-run guesthouses, local restaurants, and regional crafts helps sustain the cultural economy. Walking, cycling, and public transport not only minimize environmental impact but also provide more authentic engagement with the city’s character.
Strengthening European Expansion
The Iași route is part of a broader European strategy. Flydubai recently began services to Chișinău in Moldova and will expand to Vilnius, Lithuania, and Riga, Latvia, by the end of the year. This growing network solidifies the airline’s position as a bridge between the Middle East and key European cities.
A Gateway Between East and West
The introduction of direct flights from Dubai to Iași symbolizes more than just a new air connection—it represents the growing integration of Eastern Europe with global markets and tourism flows. With increasing interest in Romania’s cultural, educational, and natural attractions, the route will benefit both tourism and commerce, ensuring a steady flow of opportunities for travelers and businesses alike.
