Flydubai has become the first airline to operate direct air links to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana from the United Arab Emirates.

The inaugural flight from Dubai International to Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport touched down on Friday to a water cannon salute.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at Flydubai, said, “We are excited to see our network in Europe grow to 20 points in 17 countries, many of which had very few or no direct links to the UAE. Flydubai’s direct flights to Ljubljana will strengthen the ties between our two countries and help stimulate tourism, trade and investment opportunities in the future. We look forward to welcoming on board our passengers from Slovenia, especially as our city gets ready to welcome the world as Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors to visitors from beginning of October.”

Slovenia will be among the 191 participating nations taking part at the anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai. The Slovenian pavilion is designed to be a floating green oasis that inspires sustainable solutions.

Oto Pungartnik, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Arab Emirates, said, “The new flydubai route between Dubai and Ljubljana will have a positive impact on the growth of tourism in both countries. We are convinced that the tourists from UAE will enjoy the hospitality of our people and the beautiful green nature in Slovenia, located between the Alps and the Mediterranean. The flight connection will also enable further strengthening of the economic ties and extensive cooperation between the two friendly countries.”