Watch: flydubai plane touches down in Syria after 12 years
UAE ambassador welcomes passengers as first flight arrives in Damascus
DUBAI: The first flydubai flight to Syria in over a decade landed at Damascus International Airport on Sunday, 1 June, restoring a key air connection between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syria.
The low-cost carrier resumed its service with flight FZ 115, which departed from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 at 06:30 and arrived in Damascus at 08:45 local time.
The return leg, FZ 116, departed Damascus at 10:00 and touched down in Dubai at 14:20, completing a historic journey that reconnects the cities after a 12-year pause due to the Syrian civil war. Damascus had been one of Flydubai’s original destinations nearly 16 years ago.
Official welcome
Passengers arriving in Damascus were greeted by UAE Ambassador to Syria, Hassan Al Shehhi, and Abdul Bari Al Saj, Deputy Chairman of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shared images of joyful travellers stepping off the aircraft, with the ceremonial reception highlighting the significance of the occasion.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority had earlier confirmed the reinstatement of direct services following security and operational clearances at Damascus International Airport. The announcement came shortly after a landmark diplomatic visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara to the UAE, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed.
UAE-Syria ties
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the daily service to Damascus underscores the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity. “Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region,” he noted, adding that the relaunch was timed for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday and peak summer travel season.
Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations, confirmed that the carrier will operate with both business and economy class options, offering passengers across Flydubai’s network easy access to the Syrian capital.
flydubai turns 16
The resumption of Damascus flights also comes as flydubai celebrates its 16th anniversary. Since its first flight in 2009, the airline has grown its network to more than 135 destinations across 58 countries and employs over 6,400 staff.