flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, added Aleppo to its list of operational destinations this morning when its inaugural flight touched down in Syria's second largest city.

Flight FZ223 took off from Dubai International Airport at 0800hrs and landed at Aleppo International Airport at 1030hrs local time, after a three and a half hour journey. The return flight, FZ224, left 45 minutes later at 1115hrs. Aleppo is flydubai's fifth operational destination since the company launched its services just six weeks ago. It already flies to Beirut, Amman, Damascus and Alexandria.

Syria is the first country to have two flydubai routes, with Aleppo catering to passengers in the north and Damascus to those in the south. Aleppo's inclusion means flydubai now flies to the four largest cities in the Levant region.

One way fares to Dubai from Aleppo cost from SYP5800 and can be purchased from the website (), call centre in Dubai (+971-4-301-0800) and local travel partners.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said the UAE and Syria were long-term friends with long-term goals.

"This is a great opportunity for people in both cities to travel to each other's countries more regularly. Our aim is always to bring people together more often and to make their journeys a little less complicated, a little less stressful and a little less expensive.

"Aleppo is a magical place with a rich history and a fascinating culture, while Dubai is a new and exciting destination. Whatever the reason to get together, this new route will make it easier. It will be especially important for the large numbers of Syrians in Dubai, as it will make a trip home more accessible and more affordable. It also gives the four million plus people living in Aleppo the chance to explore what Dubai and the UAE has to offer," said Mr Al Ghaith.

H.E. Majd Eldine Nashed, General Consul of the Syrian Arab Republic in Dubai and the Northern Emirates welcomed this important step and said: "I salute flydubai's inaugural flight to Aleppo. This flight signifies the development of the brotherly relationship between the Arab Republic of Syria and the United Arab Emirates."

The Aleppo flights are being served by flydubai's third Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, and will operate on a daily basis to accommodate the busy summer period. From August 31, the flights will be four times per week.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just SYP580 for the first piece and SYP1,300 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of SYP65 allows customers to select their seat and just SYP720 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

About flydubai:

Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai's first low cost airline. Owned by the government of Dubai, the airline will support the city's commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers, providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations.

With flydubai, travellers can take 1 piece of hand baggage (weighing up to 10 kg) no larger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on board without charge. If the bag does not meet the cabin requirements, it will be checked into the aircraft hold at a cost of AED 150. For a little extra, passengers can check a bag. Each bag purchased can hold up to 32 kg and not larger than 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm. If customers want to take more, an additional bag can be purchased, subject to availability.

Based on a low cost business model, flydubai offers a value-for-money product at an extremely competitive price. Its website will be an important interface for customers, together with a call centre (+971-4-301-0800) and travel partners.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Zahabia Motiwala or Rima Salman at the flydubai press office at Polaris PR. Telephone: +971-4-341-5555. Zahabia Motiwala mobile: +971-50-768-9440. Rima Salman mobile: +971-50-273-4869.