Flydubai will operate three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft, wet-leased from SolitAir, to complement its belly-hold cargo capabilities. Each flight will have an additional 23,000 kg of payload capacity, with the operation beginning on Oct. 1, 2026.
Flydubai Expands Cargo Capabilities
This service will be based at the Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC). Flydubai Cargo will have a dedicated airside infrastructure, which allows for more efficient cargo capabilities. The freighter operation will provide access to more than 125 destinations across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Initial flights will focus on high-demand sectors, such as temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, aerospace components and dangerous goods, while scaling frequency with the increasing operational capacity. The operation is expected to strengthen Dubai’s trade connectivity and logistics capabilities.
Cargo Expansion Supports Dubai’s Trade Hub
Dubai is a major global trade hub and an important logistics centre within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), the UAE recorded approximately $570 billion in exports and $470 billion in imports in 2023, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately $100 billion.
This operation will further expand Dubai’s trade, enhancing its connectivity and expanding the global network. Hamad Obaidalla, the chief commercial officer at flydubai, said:
“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.”
With the new freighter operation soon in place, flydubai Cargo plan to transition to a full-service logistics provider across its expanding international network.
Do you think flydubai’s expanded cargo capacity will meet the growing demands of Dubai’s global trade network? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
