Musafir to take full ownership of Cleartrip.ae and Flyin.com operator FLYCT

What's the deal? Musafir HoldingsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a regional travel group, has agreed to acquire FLYCT MEA Holdings, which operates the Cleartrip.aeDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Flyin.comDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → online travel platforms in the Middle East. Musafir already holds a 25% stake and will buy the remaining 75% from the founding management team, taking full ownership. Terms were undisclosed and the deal awaits regulatory approval.

What each side brings: FLYCT runs two consumer air-booking platforms with an established regional customer base. Musafir adds visa services, holiday packages, corporate travel, and B2B agency solutions.

What's the endgame? The combination is meant to build a more complete regional travel business, giving customers a wider, more integrated range of products. "For customers, this means more choice, a fuller range of products and a better experience," said Sachin Gadoya, co-founder and chief executive officer of Musafir.

Why now? Musafir framed the move as a bet on the region's long-term growth. "The Middle East is one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world, and we have real conviction in its long-term growth," said co-founder and chairman Shaikh Mohammed Abdulla Mohammed Al-Thani.

Stuart Crighton, founder and chairman of FLYCT, called Musafir "the right partner to take the business forward," citing its broader proposition and regional presence.

The signal: The deal points to consolidation among Middle East online travel players, as broader-service groups absorb specialist booking platforms to offer end-to-end travel under one roof.

Read more: saudia-daily.com

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