flydubai to launch dedicated freighter flights from Dubai to boost regional trade

Dubai-based carrier flydubai announced plans to launch dedicated freighter flights from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) starting October 1, aiming to bolster regional trade and logistics. The airline will initially operate three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir, adding 23,000kg of payload capacity per flight. These dedicated cargo planes will complement the existing load carried in the passenger aircraft's cargo compartments.

This move is part of flydubai's broader strategy to expand its cargo business into a full-service logistics operation, headed by Mohamed Hassan and Rashid Albashri. The new freighters will offer scheduled and charter services to more than 125 destinations across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC, and Southeast Asia.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized that the expansion aligns with Dubai's goal of becoming a major trade and logistics hub, supporting Dubai's vision through improved trade connectivity and logistics capabilities.

The new freighters will enable flydubai to handle specialized cargo such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, dangerous goods, aerospace components, and express couriers. Initial flights will focus on high-demand regional routes, with frequencies expected to rise as capacity grows. Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai's Chief Commercial Officer, noted that commercial partners increasingly demand guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling, and specialized handling as regional trade expands.

By establishing DWC as the airline's freighter hub, flydubai aims to provide commercial partners direct access to Dubai's extensive logistics network.