Flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, will launch flights to its fifth destination- Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, starting from July 13.

The confirmation of flydubai’s fifth destination comes just nine days after it completed the first round of inaugural flights to Beirut, Amman, Damascus and Alexandria, the budget carrier said in a statement.

The Aleppo flights will be served by flydubai’s third Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, which is due to arrive early in July.

One way fares to Aleppo from Dubai will cost from Dh300 ($81.5), and will be available for purchase from the website (www.flydubai.com), call centre (04 301 0800) and travel agents from today (June 18), the statement said.

FZ223 DXB-ALP will leave Dubai at 8am and arrive in Aleppo at 10.30am. The return flight, FZ224, will leave 45 minutes later at 11.15am and arrive back in Dubai at 3.35pm (local time).

Initially, flydubai will operate a daily service between the two cities to accommodate the busy summer period. From August 31, the flights will be four times per week, the statement added.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer of flydubai, said flights to Aleppo will mean the new airline can offer flights to the four largest cities in the Levant region.

“We are delighted to be able to announce Aleppo as our fifth destination. The advent of flydubai flights will ensure the extensive Syrian population in Dubai and the four million plus people living in Aleppo will be able to enjoy our fair fares and benefit from travel that is a little less complicated, a little less stressful and a little expensive,” he added.

“While Dubai is one of the world’s newest cities, Aleppo is one of its oldest.  The Syrian city has a fascinating history and we are sure many travellers from across the region will be eager to explore its leisure and business opportunities,” Al Ghaith opined.

Salim Isa Al-Qattam Al-Za'abi, UAE Ambassador to Syria said: "It is wonderful news that Syria will be the first country where flydubai has two destinations. Daily flights to the Aleppo Governorate will be perfect for people from both the UAE and Syria wanting to travel back and forth."

“Aleppo is also considered an important commercial centre making these flights an affordable opportunity for investors from both countries to explore potential investments in different sectors such as tourism, industry and others,” he added.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers only paying for the services they want. 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 Dh40 for the first piece and Dh100 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability.-TradeArabia News Service