As the first airline to offer direct flights between the UAE and Israel after the Abraham Accords in 2020, flydubai’s Dubai to Tel Aviv route has become one of its busiest.
With 14 weekly flights, the twice-daily service caters to both tourists and business travellers, offering a surprisingly luxurious experience for a budget airline. Check-in for business class is a notably comfortable experience, featuring a red-carpeted, quiet area away from the main terminal. Despite a minor technical issue during my check-in, staff were efficient and pleasant throughout.
The lounge:
Flydubai shares Emirates’ spacious lounge, providing an abundance of seating options for relaxation or work. Food and drink selections are generous, and the staff are attentive, ensuring guests are well looked after.
Boarding:
Boarding was smooth with priority boarding for business passengers. The flydubai staff, well-trained and professional, delivered a service that far exceeded expectations for a budget carrier. Attentive and responsive, they catered to passengers’ needs with welcome drinks, snacks, and personalised service, setting the tone for a comfortable journey.
The seat:
I was seated in 2E, a window seat in a 2-2, 1-1 configuration. The seat was spacious, fully reclining into a bed, and perfect for a restful nap. The privacy offered by the design made the experience feel very premium. Equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, ample working space, and thoughtful touches like a soft, heavy blanket, it was ideal for both rest and productivity. Single travellers will find the even-numbered solo seats the best choice, while odd-numbered pairs suit couples.
The flight:
The 3 hour and 45 minute flight provided a wide array of entertainment options, including 167 movies and 159 TV shows. Although I skipped breakfast due to the early departure, the menu offered a variety of options like fresh fruit, yoghurt, and mezze, paired with an extensive selection of drinks. Payable wifi was available, and while the single toilet for business class was a slight inconvenience, it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Arrival:
Arriving in Israel was a smooth and efficient process. Covid testing has since been scrapped, and the entry procedure was straightforward. Within 45 minutes, I was through security and en route to my destination, making it an efficient end to the journey.
Verdict:
Flydubai’s business class experience on this route feels luxurious and far from budget. The new aircraft offers a considerable upgrade in terms of comfort and service, making it a worthwhile investment for business travellers. I arrived refreshed and ready for work, thanks to the exceptional in-flight service and restful seating.
Best for:
Skywards Miles – Flydubai and Emirates have a points-sharing agreement, making it easy to earn rewards on this route.
Configuration:
2-2, 1-1
Seat pitch:
78 inches
Flight time:
3 hours 45 minutes
Price:
Return business class flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv start at around Dhs7,200.
Contact: