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flydubai Resumes Daily Dubai-Aleppo Flights After 14-Year Pause
flydubai will operate daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Aleppo starting July 20, highlighting renewed UAE-Syria air connectivity and passenger demand.
The gist
flydubai restarts daily direct flights to Aleppo, expanding its Syrian network and boosting UAE-Syria ties after a 14-year halt.
flydubai is set to recommence daily direct flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Aleppo International Airport (ALP) effective July 20, 2026. This relaunch marks a major development for the UAE-based carrier, as it restores a route suspended nearly 14 years ago, reflecting progress in reopening Syrian air links. Aleppo becomes flydubai’s second destination in Syria, joining Damascus, where the airline has seen robust growth. The resumed service underscores flydubai’s commitment to enhancing connectivity to historically underserved markets, particularly in the Middle East region.
Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, has traditionally been a key commercial hub, making it strategically significant for air services. flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, described the reinstated daily flights as a milestone in the airline’s network expansion. He emphasized their mission to forge direct connections to destinations lacking efficient air links, facilitating easier travel and bolstering economic and cultural bonds. The airline expects the new route to meet strong demand and provide shorter travel times compared to previously available indirect options.
The resumption is important for multiple traveler segments including regional business passengers, the Syrian diaspora spread across the UAE and Gulf countries, and those visiting friends and relatives. The direct Dubai-Aleppo service significantly reduces travel duration, enhancing convenience over connections via other regional hubs. With previous operations halted since approximately 2012, this development signals a degree of normalization and renewed confidence in Aleppo’s aviation environment and broader infrastructure.
flydubai’s expansion in Syria builds upon the success of its Damascus flights, which launched in June 2025 as the first daily UAE carrier service to the Syrian capital. Due to strong passenger uptake, it increased from one to three daily frequencies within months. flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, noted the encouraging response to the Damascus link and suggested that adding Aleppo aligns well with growing summer travel demand and offers customers enhanced flexibility and options between Dubai and Syria.
Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, the daily Aleppo flights will depart Dubai at 11:00 local time, arriving in Aleppo at 13:40. The return flights leave Aleppo at 14:40, reaching Dubai by 19:20 local time. The service will utilize flydubai’s modern Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with a business class featuring lie-flat seats and comfortably appointed economy class seating. In-flight offerings include an advanced entertainment system and meals inspired by international cuisines, designed to improve passenger experience on this regional route.
flydubai’s cargo capacity on these flights is optimized to support bilateral trade between the UAE and Syria, reflecting the route’s dual role in facilitating both passenger movement and commerce. Ticket pricing is competitive with return fares starting at AED 8,000 (approx. USD 2,000) for business class and AED 1,800 (approx. USD 470) for economy light. Passengers benefit from the airline’s codeshare agreement with Emirates, enabling smooth connections, integrated ticketing, and through-checked baggage across their combined networks.
Since commencing operations in 2009, flydubai has expanded to serve over 140 destinations, operating a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft. Recent route additions include Benghazi in Libya and Bangkok in Thailand, with further expansion planned to Pokhara, Nepal in September 2026. The airline’s strategy focuses on removing travel barriers and providing reliable air links to cities that previously lacked direct service, contributing to regional development and connectivity.
The reintroduction of flights to Aleppo after a prolonged interruption illustrates growing stability in the Syrian market and highlights flydubai’s role in connecting the Gulf with underserved destinations. This daily service complements the existing Damascus operations and is positioned to support expanding passenger and freight demand, strengthening ties between the UAE and Syria amid evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
- When will flydubai resume daily flights to Aleppo?
- flydubai will resume daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Aleppo starting July 20, 2026.
- What aircraft does flydubai use on its Dubai-Aleppo route?
- flydubai operates the Dubai-Aleppo route using its modern Boeing 737 fleet featuring business class lie-flat seats and comfortable economy seating.
- How does the new Aleppo service relate to flydubai's operations in Syria?
- The Aleppo route is flydubai's second destination in Syria, complementing its successful daily flights to Damascus that have increased frequency due to strong demand.
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