Marabu Airlines OÜ

Di Air is an airline with a unique heritage, originating in picturesque Montenegro. Despite its status as a small regional carrier, the company has successfully built an efficient route network connecting European travellers with sunny resort destinations. Di Air's operations are built on the principles of an individual approach to every passenger, allowing for a cosy and friendly atmosphere on board, even on the busiest flights. The airline strives to make air travel accessible and comfortable, opening new holiday horizons for tourists.

Flight Geography and Key Destinations

The main feature of Di Air's operational activity is its active presence in the leisure travel market between Germany and Egypt. Schedule analysis shows that the airline acts as an important link for German tourists. Regular flights are operated from major cities such as Leipzig and Nuremberg, delivering passengers directly to the Red Sea coast.

The route network also includes Stuttgart, which expands options for travellers from southern Germany. This concentration on specific popular destinations allows the airline to optimise its schedule and offer passengers convenient departure slots designed to maximise their holiday time.

Values and Safety

Di Air's mission is to provide a reliable air bridge between Europe and popular holiday spots. Despite its modest size, the company adheres to strict international EASA flight safety standards. Crews undergo regular retraining, and the technical condition of the fleet is under constant monitoring, which is the number one priority for any air carrier based in Europe.

Contact Information and Support

Since Di Air is a regional carrier operating a significant portion of its flights within charter programmes and holiday packages, the passenger interaction scheme has its own specific features. The airline does not publish global call centre numbers for private individuals in the public domain, so the primary channel of communication is the partners who sold the tickets.

Where Passengers Should Turn:

• For booking and purchase inquiries: If your flight is part of a holiday package (for example, to resorts in Egypt), for all questions regarding date changes, correcting details in the ticket, or trip cancellation, you must contact your tour operator or travel agent.
• Lost luggage or flight delays: In case of force majeure directly on the day of departure, information should be clarified with representatives of the handling company (service organisation) at the departure airport.

Offices and Representation

The airline does not have a wide network of its own representative offices in foreign airports. Check-in and boarding for flights in cities such as Leipzig or Nuremberg are carried out through the counters of local ground handling services. Passengers are advised to refer to flight information boards and look for counters with the DI logo or the flight number indication.

At the airline's base airport — the city of Hurghada, support can be obtained at the check-in counters opening before departure, or through representatives of the receiving tour company.

Baggage Rules on Di Air Flights

Preparing for a flight is an important stage of travel, and proper packing will help avoid unnecessary hassle at the airport. Since Di Air specialises in charter and tourist transport, baggage allowances may differ depending on the conditions of a specific tour or booking class. We strongly recommend checking the permissible weight and dimensions in your itinerary receipt or ticket before departure.

Hand Luggage: Essentials with You

As a rule, on Di Air flights, passengers are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage into the cabin. Standard limits for tourist destinations are usually 5–6 kg in weight, and dimensions must allow the bag to be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front (approximately 55x40x20 cm). Documents, money, valuable gadgets, and vital medications should be placed in your hand luggage.

Checked Baggage

For travellers heading on holiday, the following general rules apply:

• Weight limits: In Economy Class, the standard free baggage allowance is most often 20 kg per person.
• Family rules: If you are flying as a family or group, some tariffs allow pooling baggage weight. However, it is worth remembering that the weight of a single suitcase must under no circumstances exceed 32 kg — this is an international safety requirement to protect the health of loaders.

Excess Baggage and Sports Equipment

Since the carrier's main hub is Hurghada — a recognised centre for diving and water sports — the issue of transporting equipment is particularly relevant. The transport of equipment for diving, kitesurfing, boards, as well as bicycles or golf bags is not included in the basic allowance and requires additional payment.

It is recommended to pay for the transport of non-standard cargo or excess weight in advance through your tour operator or agent. Payment directly at the check-in counter at the departure airport usually costs significantly more.

Restrictions and Safety

To ensure flight safety, Di Air adheres to strict international regulations:

• In the cabin: The transport of sharp objects (scissors, corkscrews, knives) and liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml is prohibited.
• In checked baggage: It is strictly forbidden to check in external batteries (Power Banks), spare lithium-ion batteries, and electronic cigarettes. These items must be transported exclusively in hand luggage.

Tips for Travellers

To ensure a pleasant start to your holiday, weigh your suitcases at home before leaving. Use bright covers or ribbons to quickly identify your luggage on the carousel. Fragile items and souvenirs are best packed in the middle of the suitcase, layered with soft clothing for cushioning.

Travelling with Pets: Rules and Advice

Di Air understands that pets are part of the family and strives to make their journey as comfortable as possible. However, given the international nature of flights, for example, from Germany to Egypt, strict safety and veterinary control requirements apply. Passengers must coordinate the flight with their pet in advance, as the number of places for animals on board each aircraft is strictly limited.

Transport Options

In the Aircraft Cabin (Hand Luggage)

This option is suitable for small cats and dogs that can comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat in front.

• Carrier dimensions: Usually must not exceed 55×40×20 cm (a soft bag is preferable).
• Maximum weight: Up to 8 kg including the container.
• Permitted animals: Only domestic cats and dogs.
• Restrictions: The animal must be able to stand up and turn around freely inside the closed carrier.
• Limit: Usually one pet per passenger.

In the Baggage Hold

If your pet weighs more than 8 kg, it will fly in a special heated section of the baggage hold.

• Container requirements: Hard plastic (IATA standard), secure lock, metal door.
• Comfort: The bottom must be covered with absorbent material; a water dispenser is mandatory.
• Weight restrictions: The weight of the animal together with the cage must not exceed 32–50 kg (depending on the aircraft type).
• Documents: Originals of all veterinary certificates must be attached to the cage.

As Cargo

This method is used in exceptional cases.

• When required: For very large dogs, exotic animals, or if the animal is flying unaccompanied.
• Processing: Done through the airport cargo terminal, not at the passenger counter.
• Procedure: Requires issuing an air waybill and the participation of a customs broker.

Necessary Documents

For flights between EU countries (e.g., flights from cities like Nuremberg or Leipzig) and Egypt, the document package is particularly strict:

• International veterinary passport.
• Microchip (mandatory for identification, must be implanted before the rabies vaccination).
• Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before departure).
• Health certificate (Form No. 1 or Euro certificate), obtained 3–5 days before the flight.
• For entry into the EU from Egypt (e.g., flight Hurghada — Stuttgart), a rabies antibody titre test is often required.

Service Costs

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately. Prices are indicative and depend on current tariffs:

• In the cabin: Approximately 50–70 EUR per flight segment.
• In the baggage hold: Approximately 100–150 EUR (depending on cage size and weight).
• Payment: Most often made at the airport at the excess baggage counter, but the booking must be confirmed in advance.

Preparation Tips

• Accustom your pet to the carrier or cage several weeks before travel.
• Do not feed the animal for 4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness.
• Put a favourite toy or an item with the owner's scent in the cage to reduce stress.
• Consult a veterinarian; the use of sedatives during flight is usually not recommended due to pressure changes.

Restrictions

• Prohibited breeds: The airline may refuse to transport brachycephalic dog breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) in the baggage hold due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Aggressive animals: Dogs of fighting breeds may require special reinforced cages or be banned from transport.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 3–4 months are usually not accepted for transport (due to lack of vaccinations).
• Exceptions: Guide dogs accompanying passengers with visual or hearing impairments are transported free of charge in the cabin (advance notification required).

Important! Rules for importing animals into Egypt and European Union countries may change. We strongly recommend contacting Di Air representatives or your tour operator at least 48 hours before departure to confirm the booking of a space for your pet.

Loyalty Programme and Passenger Benefits

Di Air adheres to a modern model of a regional carrier, where the main priority is not a complex point accumulation system, but providing the most affordable tariffs for all categories of passengers. We believe that the best reward for loyalty is the opportunity to travel more often and more cheaply without hidden markups for servicing bonus programmes.

Affordable Travel Instead of Miles

The company's philosophy is built on simplicity and transparency. The absence of a traditional multi-level loyalty programme allows Di Air to reduce operational costs and offer tickets at attractive prices to popular resort destinations. This makes flights from cities such as Leipzig or Nuremberg more economical for the family budget.

How to Get the Best Deals

Despite the absence of plastic status cards, regular clients can always count on special conditions and attentive treatment. To fly with maximum benefit, we recommend using the following opportunities:

• Special Offer Newsletter: Subscribe to news on the official website or through partners to be the first to know about seasonal sales and the opening of sales for flights to the city of Hurghada.
• Package Tours: Since Di Air works closely with leading tour operators, often the most favourable flight tariffs are already included in comprehensive holiday packages.
• Early Booking: Planning your holiday in advance is the most reliable way to secure the minimum ticket price, especially on busy routes, such as flights via Stuttgart.

Corporate and Group Travel

For organised groups of tourists, sports teams, or corporate clients, the airline offers individual cooperation terms. A flexible policy allows for agreeing on special tariffs and baggage allowance conditions for group bookings, which is an excellent alternative to standard bonus programmes.

Service and Travel Classes on Board Di Air

Di Air strives to make the flight a pleasant part of your journey by offering a balanced set of services for a comfortable start to your holiday. Whether you are departing from cities like Leipzig, Nuremberg, or Stuttgart, the crew does everything possible to make the travel time fly by, and ensuring that your arrival at sunny resorts like Hurghada leaves only positive emotions.

Travel Classes

Depending on the type of aircraft and the charter conditions of the flight (especially for package tour programmes), the cabin configuration may vary. Di Air focuses on two main service classes:

• Economy Class: The primary choice for most tourists. Cabins are equipped with standard seats featuring ergonomic backrests. The seat pitch is designed for a comfortable flight of medium duration (about 4–5 hours). Passengers are offered a basic set of services, including attentive service from flight attendants.
• Business Class: Available on a limited number of flights. Passengers in this class are usually seated in the front part of the cabin. Key benefits include increased legroom (or the middle seat being blocked for more space), priority boarding, and an expanded dining menu.
• First Class: Given the regional and tourist nature of the airline, First Class cabins are not provided on Di Air flights.

Food and Beverages

Gastronomic service on board Di Air depends on your ticket tariff or tour operator conditions. On longer flights (for example, from Germany to Egypt), passengers are usually offered:

• Hot meals or hearty sandwiches (depending on departure time).
• Soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
• The option to order a special menu (vegetarian, gluten-free, children's) — this service must be requested in advance, no later than 48 hours before departure.

Entertainment and Connectivity

The airline's fleet consists mainly of classic narrow-body liners not equipped with individual monitors in seatbacks. To avoid boredom during the flight, we recommend:

• Downloading films, music, or books to your personal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) in advance.
• Reading the inflight magazine, which often publishes interesting articles about flight destinations and tips for tourists.
• Enjoying the views from the window: routes from Europe often pass over the picturesque Alps and the blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea.

Services for Passengers with Children and Special Needs

Di Air pays special attention to the safety and comfort of the most vulnerable categories of passengers. The airline offers a range of special services:

• For families with children: Baby food required for the duration of the flight is allowed on board. Seat belts for infants (children under 2 years old travelling on their parents' lap) are provided by the crew before takeoff.
• Passengers with reduced mobility: If you require assistance during boarding or disembarking, as well as wheelchair placement, please notify the airline or agent when booking your ticket. Airport services will provide the necessary accompaniment.

The route network of Di Air is built with a focus on tourist destinations connecting Europe with popular resorts. The carrier's key hub is Hurghada, which allows for ensuring a stable passenger flow between German cities and the Red Sea coast.

Useful Tips for Booking and Flying with Di Air

Planning a trip with a regional carrier has its nuances. To ensure your flight with Di Air goes as smoothly and profitably as possible, we have collected several proven recommendations based on the specifics of the airline's route network.

When is the Best Time to Book Tickets

Since the airline's main destinations connect German cities (such as Leipzig and Nuremberg) with popular resorts, pricing here is seasonal.

• The 60-Day Rule: For regular flights, the optimal time to purchase tickets is considered to be 2–3 months before departure. This allows you to catch base fares before they rise closer to the departure date.
• Last-Minute Offers: Since Hurghada is the main hub, flights often have seats from tour operator blocks. If you are flexible with dates, check offers 2–5 days before departure — sometimes you can find tickets with a significant discount on unsold charter seats.

How to Find the Best Prices and Promotions

Unlike large network giants, Di Air rarely holds global "Black Friday" sales. The best way to save is to monitor prices in conjunction with holiday packages. Often the cost of a flight as part of a ready-made tour turns out to be lower than buying a separate ticket. We also recommend comparing prices for departures from neighbouring airports: for example, if tickets from Nuremberg are expensive, check flights via Stuttgart.

Flight Check-in: Online and at the Airport

The technical capabilities of small airlines may be limited compared to world leaders.

• Online Check-in (Web Check-in): Usually opens 24 hours and closes 3–4 hours before departure. Be sure to check this possibility on the airline's or tour operator's website. This will save you time and allow you to choose a seat in advance.
• At the Airport: If online check-in is unavailable (which often happens on charter routes), arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours early. Queues at counters for flights to resorts can be long due to the large amount of luggage passengers have.

Tips for Selecting Seats

Comfort in flight largely depends on your seat. Given the duration of flights from Europe to Egypt (about 4–5 hours), it is worth taking care of this in advance:

• For beautiful views: When flying to Egypt, choose window seats on the left side of the aircraft to enjoy views of the coast during descent.
• For peace of mind: If you want to exit the plane faster upon arrival, choose seats in the first 10 rows. The tail section of the cabin is usually noisier and more susceptible to shaking during turbulence.

Mobile App and Documents

At the moment, Di Air does not focus on developing a multifunctional mobile app. Therefore, we strongly recommend that passengers:

• Save electronic tickets and boarding passes in PDF format on their phone.
• Keep printed copies of itinerary receipts with you. In some airports (especially on the return flight from Egypt), security services may require specifically a paper version of the ticket to enter the terminal.

Travel Insurance

Flying abroad always involves risks. Given the specifics of Di Air destinations, we recommend taking out extended insurance that covers:

• Flight delay: Useful for charter flights where the schedule may shift.
• Medical expenses: Critically important for active holidays at the sea.
• Loss of luggage: If you are carrying expensive diving equipment, make sure it is included in the insurance coverage.

History and Development of the Airline

The path of Di Air is an interesting story of the transformation of a small local carrier into a significant link in international tourism logistics. Founded in 1997 and based in Montenegro, the airline was originally created to ensure regional connectivity. The first years of activity were marked by establishment: a route network within the Balkan region was formed, operational processes were fine-tuned, and a reputation as a reliable partner was built.

Change of Strategy and New Horizons

A key moment in Di Air's development was the strategic reorientation towards the charter leisure transport market. The company's management saw huge potential in the growing demand from Europeans for holidays by the warm sea. This decision led to a business model unique for a Montenegrin carrier: the Egyptian resort of Hurghada was chosen as the main operational hub. This step allowed for optimising logistics and offering tour operators the most convenient slots for flights.

Expansion of the Route Network

With the development of partnerships with major travel agencies, Di Air's flight geography began to expand rapidly to the west. A significant milestone was the launch of regular charter programmes connecting the Red Sea coast with key cities in Germany. The opening of flights to Leipzig and Nuremberg became a real breakthrough, ensuring stable passenger flow and financial stability for the airline.

Later, responding to market demands in southern Germany, Stuttgart was added to the schedule. These routes became the foundation of the carrier's commercial success, allowing it to secure a foothold in the niche of affordable holiday flights.

Fleet Evolution

Di Air's aircraft fleet changed in parallel with the company's tasks. While at the dawn of its existence the airline used small planes for short flights, entering medium-haul routes (lasting 4–5 hours) required modernisation. The fleet was replenished with more spacious and enduring liners capable of comfortably delivering passengers from Central Europe to Africa without stopovers. Special attention was paid to technical equipment corresponding to strict European aviation safety standards.

Modern Stage

Today, Di Air continues to follow the course of a "boutique" airline, avoiding unjustified gigantism and loud mergers. Instead of aggressively acquiring competitors, the carrier has focused on service quality on its key routes. Innovations are introduced selectively: online booking systems for partners are being improved, and ground handling procedures are being optimised to make the tourist's journey to the sea as short and pleasant as possible.