(MENAFN- Arab News) Dubai-based flydubai has announced the launch of flights to Mumbai bringing the total number of destinations served by the carrier in India to seven with 25 flights a week.

In June flydubai doubled its network in India with the start of flights to Delhi Kochi and Thiruvanathapuram.

The new flights were a result of the expanded bilateral agreements that India has signed with Dubai over the past 12 months.

Commencing on Oct. 28 flydubai will operate direct flights five times a week between Dubai International's Terminal 2 and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport while also increasing the frequency of its flights to Delhi to five weekly.

Ghaith Al-Ghaith CEO at flydubai said: 'India and the UAE have enjoyed close historic relations and have been dynamic trade partners. We are excited to contribute further to additional growth in the travel and trade segments with the launch of our flights to Mumbai. We remain committed to serving the market with affordable and reliable travel options."

According to reports published by the Consulate General of India trade between India and the UAE was valued at $ 180 million per annum in the 1970s and today it is valued in excess of $44 billion making the UAE one of India's leading trade partners.

Sudhir Sreedharan SVP commercial (GCC Subcontinent Africa) for flydubai said: 'flydubai's flights to Mumbai Delhi and the five other destinations in the market will give more options to passengers from India to connect through Dubai's efficient aviation hub to other destinations on our network or further afield. Our recently launched Business Class is now available on all our new routes to India."

With the addition of Mumbai flydubai has built up a network of 76 destinations across 37 countries. The carrier has a fleet of 38 aircraft and operates more than 1100 flights a week.