Flydubai Resumes Flights to Damascus, Ending 12-Year Hiatus
The low-cost airline's inaugural flight since the civil war marks a crucial milestone in Syria's recovery and connectivity.
Flydubai's first flight to Syria in 12 years landed at Damascus International Airport on Sunday, signifying a key development in the nation's postwar recovery efforts.
The airline had earlier announced its plans to resume services to the Syrian capital ahead of the busy Eid Al Adha holiday period.
Damascus was among the initial destinations for Flydubai when the airline was established nearly 16 years ago.
However, in light of the ongoing civil conflict that began in 2011, air services were suspended.
The arrival of flight FZ 115 was met with enthusiasm, as images released by Syria's state news agency, Sana, depicted joyful passengers disembarking upon arrival.
A welcoming committee was present at the airport, which included the Emirati ambassador to Syria, Hassan Al Shehhi, and Abdul Al Saj, deputy chairman of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
The resumption of regular flights is anticipated to provide significant support to Syrians residing in both the United Arab Emirates and Syria, who have long lacked a direct air route to visit family and friends.
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announced the restoration of flights between the UAE and Syria on April 14. This development occurs shortly after Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara's inaugural visit to the UAE since taking office, during which he engaged in discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed regarding bilateral relations.
President Al Shara, who previously led the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel group that was instrumental in the ousting of President Bashar Al Assad, is reportedly focused on enhancing Syria's ties with its Arab neighbors and Gulf states, aiming to mend relations following over a decade of internal conflict.
A significant passenger flight from Syria to the UAE took place on April 20, marking the first step towards the restoration of air travel services.
Flydubai's flights will operate daily, departing from Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 at 6:30 AM local time and arriving in Damascus at 8:45 AM local time.
The return flight, FZ 116, will leave Damascus at 10:00 AM and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 2:20 PM.
The airline is set to provide both business and economy class seating options on these flights.
Flydubai's chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith, expressed enthusiasm for the city of Damascus, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance within the region.
Al Ghaith noted that the launch of daily services to the city illustrates Flydubai's dedication to enhancing regional connectivity between the UAE and Syria.
Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce at Flydubai, highlighted that the airline had collaborated closely with relevant authorities to meet operational standards ahead of the flights' relaunch, anticipating welcoming passengers as they approach the Eid Al Adha holiday and the peak summer travel season.
The airline had earlier announced its plans to resume services to the Syrian capital ahead of the busy Eid Al Adha holiday period.
Damascus was among the initial destinations for Flydubai when the airline was established nearly 16 years ago.
However, in light of the ongoing civil conflict that began in 2011, air services were suspended.
The arrival of flight FZ 115 was met with enthusiasm, as images released by Syria's state news agency, Sana, depicted joyful passengers disembarking upon arrival.
A welcoming committee was present at the airport, which included the Emirati ambassador to Syria, Hassan Al Shehhi, and Abdul Al Saj, deputy chairman of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
The resumption of regular flights is anticipated to provide significant support to Syrians residing in both the United Arab Emirates and Syria, who have long lacked a direct air route to visit family and friends.
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announced the restoration of flights between the UAE and Syria on April 14. This development occurs shortly after Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara's inaugural visit to the UAE since taking office, during which he engaged in discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed regarding bilateral relations.
President Al Shara, who previously led the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel group that was instrumental in the ousting of President Bashar Al Assad, is reportedly focused on enhancing Syria's ties with its Arab neighbors and Gulf states, aiming to mend relations following over a decade of internal conflict.
A significant passenger flight from Syria to the UAE took place on April 20, marking the first step towards the restoration of air travel services.
Flydubai's flights will operate daily, departing from Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 at 6:30 AM local time and arriving in Damascus at 8:45 AM local time.
The return flight, FZ 116, will leave Damascus at 10:00 AM and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 2:20 PM.
The airline is set to provide both business and economy class seating options on these flights.
Flydubai's chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith, expressed enthusiasm for the city of Damascus, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance within the region.
Al Ghaith noted that the launch of daily services to the city illustrates Flydubai's dedication to enhancing regional connectivity between the UAE and Syria.
Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce at Flydubai, highlighted that the airline had collaborated closely with relevant authorities to meet operational standards ahead of the flights' relaunch, anticipating welcoming passengers as they approach the Eid Al Adha holiday and the peak summer travel season.
