Flydubai will launch dedicated freighter operations on 1 October with three Boeing 737-800 cargo aircraft on wet lease from SolitAir, based at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Each aircraft will add 23,000 kg of payload capacity per flight, while the new flydubai Cargo business will also draw on the airline’s belly-hold capacity across its fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.
The expansion extends the carrier’s network beyond passenger services into scheduled freight and charter operations across more than 125 destinations, with an initial focus on regional sectors. Target cargo types include pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, dangerous goods and aerospace components.
The airline framed the move as part of a diversification strategy that supports Dubai’s role as a logistics and trade hub. It also plans to assess passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029 and expects additional capacity later from its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners once they enter service.