flydubai celebrates 10th anniversary with special flight

Dubai - On board were passengers who had flown on flydubai's first flight.

Dubai-based carrier flydubai is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A decade ago, on June 1, 2009, the airline's first flight took off from Dubai International bound for Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. Since then, the airline has ferried more than 70 million passengers.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, a special flight took off from Dubai International on June 1, 2019 at 12.20 local time and was met with a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival in Beirut. On board were passengers who had flown on flydubai's first flight.

Commenting on the 10th anniversary of the start of flydubai's operations, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of flydubai, said: "For many years the Government of Dubai recognised the need for another carrier to serve our country. In 2009, we were able to achieve this thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."

"flydubai was launched with a mandate to open new markets and make travel more accessible to more people. I am happy to see flydubai deliver on that commitment which has seen the airline connect 71 previously underserved cities to Dubai allowing a population of 1.5 billion easier access to one of the world's leading aviation hubs."

Sheikh Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: "The UAE is leading on the global air transport front and the aviation sector has been a major contributor to the overall national economy. The sector has successfully enabled the creation of an attractive environment for trade, investment and tourism to flourish."

"The success of the national carriers has contributed significantly to further cementing the UAE's prominent position on the global aviation scene. flydubai, which celebrates its tenth anniversary, is one of the important components in the aviation sector and was able to break through the competition as an affordable travel provider. flydubai continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the UAE's ties with several important markets, thus enhancing the trade and tourism potential in the region and supporting the growth of the economy," added Al Mansouri.