Aleppo International Airport welcomed the first Flydubai flight on Monday, marking the launch of a direct air link between Aleppo and Dubai after a 14-year suspension.
Footage shows the aircraft landing at the airport and being greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute. Passengers are seen disembarking with their luggage before boarding airport buses, while others walk through the terminal.
“After 13 years away, I have finally arrived in Aleppo. It’s a wonderful feeling, especially since I travelled with Flydubai. The procedures at Aleppo Airport were very smooth, and everyone was helpful. You never feel uncomfortable,” said passenger Shaz Zido.
Osama Taljo, Director of Syravia Flight Support, described the resumption of international flights as a positive step for Syria’s transport and service sectors, highlighting the improved connectivity to destinations including Australia and East Asia through Dubai,
“Any airline that decides to land at Syrian airports is a positive sign of progress on the political front and provides a new service to Syrians, as well as promoting economic development. Most importantly, of course, it connects Syrians with one another, including those living abroad who make up nearly half of the Syrian population,” shared Taljo.
On July 10, Flydubai announced it would resume flights to Aleppo after a 14-year hiatus, with daily direct services beginning on July 20.
The airline said the new route is expected to facilitate travel, support tourism and business activity, and strengthen Aleppo’s air links with regional and international destinations through Dubai.
Direct flights to Aleppo from Dubai were suspended by the airline in 2012 due to severe security concerns and threats to airspace safety associated with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.
Source: Viory
