flydubai Starts Low Cost Flights to Syria’s Second Largest City

ALEPPO, Syria, July 13 /PRNewswire/ — 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 (http://www.flydubai.com), 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
(http://www.flydubai.com) 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.

or

Heather Redpath, PR Manager for flydubai at Mobile: +971-50-9508420;
Email: heather.redpath@flydubai.com

SOURCE flydubai