Flydubai, Dubai’s first low-cost airline began its commercial operations today.

The inaugural flight took off from Dubai International’s Terminal 2 at 10:30 bound for Beirut.

Flydubai chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum was there to wave off the first flight, which carried 189 passengers.

"This is an historic moment. Today, we have not only witnessed flydubai’s first commercial flight but we have also seen a new chapter in the history of aviation in the UAE.

"This region is highly dependant on air transport. It is a great credit to the vision and leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, that this airline has now taken to the skies, thereby ensuring residents and visitors alike will be able to travel to more places more often," he said.

Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith added that the day will always be remembered as the day Dubai took an important step towards more accessible and more affordable travel.

The airline is operating a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft on all its routes, which in addition to Beirut, include Alexandria, Amman and Damascus, all of which will begin this month.