Dubai's air cargo sector is set for a change. flydubai has announced it will begin dedicated cargo operations as flydubai Cargo from 1 October 2026. The airline will add three Boeing 737-800 freighters, each able to carry 23,000 kilograms per flight. These aircraft will be operated under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir, giving flydubai flexibility as it enters the freighter market.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will be the main base for flydubai Cargo. The airport's infrastructure and direct links to Dubai South's transport network are expected to help the airline serve growing demand for air freight across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. The Dubai Media Office has pointed to DWC's role in Dubai's long-term logistics plans and its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Until now, flydubai's 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft have carried cargo in their belly holds. The addition of dedicated freighters marks a step up for the airline. flydubai also has 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order and is considering converting passenger aircraft to freighters from 2029. These plans are part of Dubai's efforts to strengthen its position as a trade gateway and support the UAE's Vision 2031, which aims to boost non-oil exports and attract foreign investment, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the launch responds to Dubai's goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He described the move as necessary for the city's role as a trade and logistics hub, and as a way to add capacity and flexibility. The launch also follows regulatory changes from the Central Bank of the UAE and Dubai's free zone authorities, which have made customs and digital trade processes faster.
In its first phase, flydubai Cargo will offer both scheduled and chartered services to more than 125 destinations. The initial focus will be on high-demand regional routes, with plans to increase frequency as capacity grows. The freighters will carry a range of shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, aircraft parts, live animals, express parcels, and dangerous goods. According to Reuters, the launch comes at a time of ongoing disruptions in Middle East aviation, with some airlines extending Dubai-related suspensions into October 2026. This highlights the need for reliable logistics infrastructure.
Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla pointed to flydubai's history of opening underserved routes since 2009. He said partners now expect main-deck capacity, flexible schedules, and specialized handling. Locating operations at Al Maktoum International Airport gives partners direct access to Dubai's logistics network and tailored solutions for sensitive cargo. The Dubai Free Zones Council and Dubai Customs have both noted the importance of such projects for the city's role as a global trade hub.
Dubai's logistics sector has seen several changes in recent years, including digital property investment and new trade corridors. As reported earlier, the city's focus on digitalization and smart logistics, outlined in the Dubai 10X initiative, continues to attract international investment and encourage public-private partnerships.
With the launch of flydubai Cargo, competition in Dubai's air freight market is set to increase. The airline's investment in dedicated freighters, rather than relying only on belly cargo, shows a clear intent to compete with both regional and global carriers. For Dubai's business and logistics sectors, the message is clear: the city is strengthening its role as a gateway for global trade, and flydubai plans to be a key part of that effort.
