flydubai is strengthening its cargo business with the launch of dedicated freighter operations from Dubai World Central (DWC), marking a significant expansion of the airline’s commercial strategy.
Starting October 1, the carrier will introduce three Boeing 737-800 freighters under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. Each aircraft will offer up to 23,000kg of additional payload capacity per flight, complementing the belly-hold cargo capacity already available across flydubai’s fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.
The airline expects its dedicated freighter capacity to increase further as its wider fleet grows. flydubai currently has 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order and will also evaluate the possibility of converting passenger aircraft into freighters from 2029 onwards.
A new cargo base at Dubai World Central
The dedicated freighter operation will be based at Dubai World Central, providing flydubai Cargo with access to dedicated airside infrastructure as well as multimodal connectivity through Dubai South.
From this hub, the freighter network will support both scheduled and charter services across more than 125 destinations. The planned network will span Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the GCC and wider Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The additional main-deck capacity will also allow flydubai to broaden the range of cargo solutions it can offer customers. Target commodities include aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express shipments and dangerous goods.
Initial freighter services will concentrate on regional markets where demand is particularly strong. Frequencies are expected to increase progressively as additional capacity becomes available.
Responding to changing customer requirements
flydubai says the move also reflects changing expectations among cargo customers, particularly the growing demand for guaranteed main-deck capacity, greater scheduling flexibility and specialised cargo handling.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said the launch demonstrates the airline’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambitions to become a leading global centre for trade, e-commerce and logistics.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer of flydubai, likewise highlighted the shift in customer requirements, pointing to increasing demand for guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised handling solutions.
With dedicated freighters now being added to its passenger belly-hold network, flydubai is positioning its cargo operation to play a broader role in Dubai’s expanding trade and logistics ecosystem.
