flydubai to launch dedicated cargo operations
to different countries including Pakistan
flydubai is set to launch dedicated
freighter operations on October 1, 2026, marking a new phase in the airline’s
cargo expansion strategy and creating additional capacity for trade across its
regional network, including Pakistan.
The
airline will initially operate three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft under a
wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. The aircraft will provide
approximately 23,000 kilograms of additional payload capacity per flight,
complementing cargo carried in the belly holds of flydubai’s existing fleet of
98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.
The
dedicated freighter operation will be based at Al
Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, providing flydubai Cargo
with dedicated airside infrastructure and access to the wider logistics network
of Dubai South.
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According
to flydubai, the initial freighter operation will support scheduled and charter
cargo services across more than 125 destinations in Africa, Central Asia, the
Caucasus, Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The
dedicated freighters will also enable the airline to handle specialised cargo
requiring main-deck capacity and tailored procedures, including
pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express shipments, dangerous goods
and aerospace components.
Focus on regional trade
flydubai
said the initial freighter flights will focus on sectors with strong cargo
demand, with frequencies expected to increase as the operation expands.
Ghaith
Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said the new operation would
strengthen Dubai’s role as a major centre for trade and logistics while giving
businesses additional options to move goods between regional and international
markets.
“By
building on the strength of our network and expanding our cargo offering and
list of codeshare and interline partners, we are creating new pathways for
businesses to move goods more efficiently, access new markets and contribute to
economic growth across the region and beyond,” Al Ghaith said.
Hamad
Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said the move responds to
growing demand among commercial partners for guaranteed main-deck cargo
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,” he said.
Implications for Pakistan
The
launch is expected to add dedicated cargo capacity to flydubai’s broader connectivity
between Dubai and South Asian markets, including Pakistan. The carrier already
operates an extensive passenger network from Dubai, while the introduction of
freighters creates additional opportunities for time-sensitive and specialised
shipments.
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The
freighter fleet is also intended to support point-to-point charter operations
alongside scheduled services, potentially allowing cargo capacity to be
adjusted in response to demand across individual markets.
flydubai
said the initial three-aircraft deployment represents the first phase of its
cargo fleet expansion. The airline plans to evaluate passenger-to-freighter
aircraft conversions from 2029 onwards, while additional cargo capacity is
expected as its fleet develops.
Growing cargo network
Since
beginning operations in June 2009, flydubai has expanded to more than 125
destinations across 56 countries. The airline currently operates a fleet of 98
Boeing 737 aircraft, comprising 25 Boeing 737-800s, 69 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and
four Boeing 737 MAX 9s.
The
airline said it has carried more than 137 million passengers since its launch
and has opened more than 100 routes that previously lacked direct air links to
Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
The
dedicated freighter operation represents a further expansion of flydubai’s role
in regional connectivity, adding main-deck cargo capability to its existing
passenger aircraft belly-hold operations.
Source:
flydubai