flydubai is expanding its cargo capabilities with the launch of dedicated freighter operations, marking a major step in the airline’s diversification strategy and strengthening Dubai’s role as a global logistics and trade hub.
From 1 October 2026, flydubai will introduce three Boeing 737-800 freighters through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. Each aircraft will provide up to 23,000kg of additional payload capacity per flight, complementing cargo carried in the belly holds of the airline’s 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.
The carrier expects its dedicated freighter capacity to grow further as its fleet expands, with 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order. flydubai will also assess the potential conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters from 2029 onwards.
The new operation will be based at Dubai World Central (DWC), giving flydubai Cargo access to dedicated airside infrastructure and multimodal connectivity through Dubai South. The freighter network will support scheduled and charter services across more than 125 destinations spanning Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the GCC and Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The dedicated freighters will also enable flydubai to develop specialised cargo solutions for commodities including aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express shipments and dangerous goods. Initial services will focus on high-demand regional markets, with frequencies expected to increase as capacity develops.
flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the launch reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambitions as a leading global centre for trade, e-commerce and logistics.
Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla added that customers are increasingly seeking guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised cargo handling.
Under Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo, and Rashid Al Bashri, Vice President of Cargo, flydubai Cargo will expand towards a full-service logistics offering, combining scheduled freighter services with ad-hoc charter solutions across its growing international network.
