flydubai expands into dedicated freighter operations

flydubai has launched dedicated freighter operations as part of its diversification strategy, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global logistics and trade hub.

Starting 1 October 2026, flydubai will add three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft to its fleet through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. The aircraft will provide 23,000 kg of additional payload capacity per flight, complementing belly-hold cargo operations across flydubai’s 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.

The airline expects to add significantly more cargo capacity following the delivery of its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The initial freighter operation will provide immediate main-deck cargo capacity ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season, while flydubai plans to evaluate passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029 onwards.

“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,” says Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai.

Operating from DWC, flydubai Cargo, the carrier’s dedicated cargo division, will benefit from dedicated airside infrastructure and direct multimodal connectivity through Dubai South. The new operation will enable both point-to-point charter and scheduled freighter services to more than 125 destinations across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The dedicated freighter aircraft will enable flydubai to handle specialised cargo, including aerospace components, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments and dangerous goods. Initial freighter services will focus on high-demand regional routes, with frequencies expected to increase as operational capacity expands.

“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,” says Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer, flydubai.

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