Flydubai to launch dedicated freighter operations from Dubai

Dhaka: Flydubai will launch dedicated freighter operations starting October 1, a move the airline says marks a major step in its diversification strategy and strengthens Dubai's standing as a global logistics and trade hub.

Initially, the Dubai-based low-cost airline will add three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft to its fleet under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir.

Each freighter will offer 23,000 kg of additional payload capacity per flight, supplementing belly-hold cargo operations across Flydubai's existing fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger jets.

The airline expects freighter capacity to expand significantly once its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are delivered. For now, the new main-deck capability is intended to prepare the carrier for the fourth-quarter peak season.

Flydubai also plans to evaluate converting passenger aircraft into freighters starting in 2029.

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said Dubai has positioned itself as one of the world's most connected hubs for e-commerce, trade, and logistics, with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continuing to open new opportunities for businesses to access global markets.

He added that the launch of dedicated freighter operations reflects the airline's commitment to supporting that vision through stronger trade connectivity and said expanding its cargo offering and roster of codeshare and interline partners would help businesses move goods more efficiently and reach new markets.

The freighters will operate out of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), giving Flydubai Cargo dedicated airside infrastructure and direct multimodal access through Dubai South.

The shift will allow point-to-point charter and scheduled freighter services across more than 125 destinations spanning Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.

Having a dedicated aircraft will also enable tailored handling for specialized cargo, including aerospace parts, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments, and dangerous goods. Initial flights will focus on high-demand regional routes, with frequency to increase as capacity grows.

Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla said that since 2009, the airline has opened more than 100 underserved markets and expanded regional connectivity, adding that partners now require guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling, and specialized handling.

He said establishing DWC as the freighter hub will give commercial partners direct access to Dubai's logistics network, supported by products built for high-value and sensitive cargo.

Under Senior Vice President of Airport Services and Cargo Mohamed Hassan and Vice President of Cargo Rashid Albashri, Flydubai Cargo's expansion is expected to transform it into a full-service logistics provider, offering both scheduled freight routes and ad-hoc charter solutions across its growing network.