flydubai Launches dedicated freighter operations to accelerate regional trade growth

flydubai unveiled the launch of its dedicated freighter operations, a dynamic expansion that advances the airline’s diversification strategy and further elevates Dubai’s standing as a global powerhouse for logistics and trade. Starting 01 October 2026, flydubai will introduce three Boeing 737‑800 freighters into its fleet under a wet‑lease agreement with SolitAir, adding 23,000 kg of main‑deck payload per flight.

This new capacity immediately strengthens the airline’s cargo offering ahead of the fourth‑quarter peak season, complementing belly‑hold operations across its 98‑aircraft Boeing 737 passenger fleet and paving the way for a substantial uplift once its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners begin entering service. The initial phase also sets the foundation for future growth, with passenger‑to‑freighter conversion opportunities to be evaluated from 2029 onwards.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, commented: “Dubai has established itself as one of the world's most connected hubs for E-commerce, trade and logistics, and its ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continue to create new opportunities for businesses to reach global markets. The launch of dedicated freighter operations marks an important step in flydubai’s evolution and reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai's vision through enhanced trade connectivity and logistics capabilities. By building on the strength of our network and expanding our cargo offering and list of codeshare and interline partners, we are creating new pathways for businesses to move goods more efficiently, access new markets and contribute to economic growth across the region and beyond.”

Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, stated: “Since 2009, flydubai has opened more than 100 underserved markets and expanded regional connectivity. As trade requirements evolve, our partners require guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised handling. Establishing DWC as our freighter hub gives our commercial partners direct access to Dubai's world-class logistics ecosystem, backed by tailored products designed for high-value and sensitive cargo.”

Operating from DWC gives flydubai Cargo access to dedicated airside infrastructure and seamless multimodal connectivity through Dubai South, enabling efficient point‑to‑point charter and scheduled freighter operations across more than 125 destinations spanning Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

With dedicated aircraft, the carrier can tailor handling for specialised commodity streams such as aerospace components, temperature‑controlled pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments and dangerous goods. Initial freighter services will focus on high‑demand regional routes, with frequencies increasing as operational capacity expands.

Under Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, and Rashid Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, the expansion will transition flydubai Cargo into a full-service logistics provider, offering both scheduled freight routes and ad-hoc charter solutions across its expanding global network.