flydubai launches air cargo operations on October 1

flydubai will launch dedicated air cargo operations on October 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the airline's business diversification strategy and strengthening Dubai's position as a global logistics and trade hub.

Operating from Al Maktoum International Airport will provide dedicated infrastructure for air cargo operations and direct access through multiple transport modes in the Dubai South region. Under a comprehensive lease agreement with Solitair, the airline will add three Boeing 737-800 freighters to its fleet from October 1, 2026.

The aircraft will provide an additional payload capacity of 23,000kg per flight, complementing the cargo carried in the belly hold of flydubai's existing fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. Capacity is expected to increase significantly in the future when the airline takes delivery of its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

This initial phase will provide immediate main-deck cargo capability ahead of the peak fourth-quarter season. flydubai also plans to evaluate the possibility of converting passenger aircraft into freighters from 2029 onwards.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said: "Dubai has established itself as one of the world's most connected hubs for e-commerce, trade and logistics. Its ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continue to create new opportunities for businesses to reach global markets.

"The launch of dedicated air cargo operations is an important step in flydubai's evolution and reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai's vision by enhancing trade connectivity and logistics capabilities.

"By leveraging the strength of our network, expanding our cargo services and growing our list of codeshare airline partners, we are opening new avenues for companies to move goods more efficiently, reach new markets and contribute to economic growth in the region and beyond."

The move will enable charter services and scheduled point-to-point cargo flights across more than 125 destinations. These include Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Dedicated cargo aircraft allow customised handling of specific cargo categories, including aviation components, temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, animals, courier shipments and dangerous goods.

The initial cargo flights will focus on high-demand regional markets, with flight frequencies increasing in line with operational growth.

Trade requirements

Hamad Obaidallah, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: "Since 2009, we have opened more than 100 destinations that previously lacked adequate air transport services and have strengthened regional connectivity.

"As trade requirements evolve, our partners need guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible schedules and specialised handling services. Designating Al Maktoum International Airport as a cargo hub gives our business partners direct access to Dubai's world-class logistics ecosystem, supported by products specifically designed to handle high-value and sensitive cargo."

Under the leadership of Mohammed Hassan, Senior Vice President, Airport Services and Cargo at flydubai, and Rashid Al-Bishri, Vice President Cargo at flydubai, the expansion will transform flydubai Cargo into a full-fledged logistics provider.

The airline will offer both scheduled cargo services and on-demand charter freight solutions across its growing global network. The expansion strengthens flydubai's cargo business and broadens its capability to serve a wider range of logistics and freight requirements.