Dubai airline flydubai is to resume flights to Damascus from June 1 for the first time since the beginning of Syria's civil war.
The announcement comes ahead of Eid Al Adha, and follows the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s recent announcement to allow the resumption of flights between the two countries.
Damascus was one of flydubai's first destinations nearly 16 years ago, but services were halted at the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
In January, a Syrian Airlines flight with 145 passengers left Damascus for Sharjah airport. A second Syrian Airlines flew from Damascus to Dubai in April.
Flydubai's flight FZ 115 is to take off daily from Dubai International's Terminal 2 at 6.30am local time and arrive at Damascus International Airport at 8.45am local time. The corresponding flight FZ 116 will take off from Damascus at 10am, arriving in Dubai at 2.20pm.
Flydubai will offer business and economy class seats on the flights.
“Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service, highlighting our commitment to supporting the UAE's efforts to foster regional connectivity,” said flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith.
“The relaunch of flights to Damascus will enable passengers from the UAE and around the network to enjoy convenient travel options to the market,” said Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce at flydubai.
“After working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary operational standards have been met ahead of the relaunch, we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board again soon, just in time for the coming Eid Al Adha holiday and peak summer travel period.”
The resumption of flights between Syria and the UAE came after Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara visited the UAE for the first time in April since taking office, during which he held talks with President Sheikh Mohamed.
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Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
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Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
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