The new service, which is due to begin on Feb. 7, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic.  Flights will operate twice a week, departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Ghaith Al-Ghaith, flydubai CEO, said: "We are proud to launch our latest services, bringing our destinations in the former Soviet Union to 12. It is also a significant milestone for us as the 50th destination we have announced — quite an achievement since our first flight in June 2009.”

Al-Ghaith said: "We have already launched operations to a number of cities in Central Asia and we believe Bishkek will be just as well received. We are confident it will prove popular with people seeking alternative travel destinations, as well as offering people in the Kyrgyz Republic a gateway to the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Africa through the flydubai network."

The capital and largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek is flydubai's first foray into the Central Asian country and marks the continued rise in demand for flights to previously under-served destinations in Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz Republic has opened its economy to foreign investment in key industries including metallurgy and is developing its tourism potential.

Flights to Bishkek will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.