In the bustling landscape of Middle Eastern aviation, flydubai has carved out a distinctive niche as a government-owned low-cost carrier that has rapidly expanded to become one of the region’s most dynamic airlines. Founded just over fifteen years ago, flydubai has transformed air travel accessibility across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, bringing affordable flying options to previously underserved markets.
The Birth and Evolution of flydubai
flydubai’s journey began on March 19, 2008, when it was established by the Government of Dubai as Dubai Aviation Corporation. The airline was created to make air travel more accessible and affordable, particularly to destinations that were previously underserved by major carriers. While the airline received initial support from Emirates, its sister airline, flydubai has operated independently since its inception.
Under the leadership of CEO Ghaith Al-Ghaith, who spent over 22 years with Emirates before taking the helm at flydubai, the airline took its first steps in the aviation industry. On July 14, 2008, flydubai placed a firm order with Boeing for 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show, valued at US$3.74 billion.
The airline commenced scheduled operations on June 1, 2009, with inaugural flights to Beirut, Lebanon, and Amman, Jordan. From these humble beginnings with just two destinations, flydubai rapidly expanded its route network to become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region.
A significant milestone came in 2013 when the airline announced it would be adding business class service to its flights. This move demonstrated flydubai’s ambition to compete for premium travelers while maintaining its core commitment to affordability. In 2017, flydubai and Emirates announced an extensive partnership, creating a complementary network that offers customers unmatched travel options.
Most recently, in November 2023, flydubai made a historic move by placing its first-ever widebody aircraft order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners valued at approximately $11 billion, signaling the airline’s ambition to expand into long-haul markets.
Fleet and Network
flydubai has experienced remarkable growth since its inception. As of 2024, the airline operates a fleet of 88 modern Boeing 737 aircraft, including:
- 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800
- 56 Boeing 737 MAX 8
- 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9
With an average fleet age of approximately 5.3 years, flydubai’s aircraft are equipped with the latest technology, enabling greater fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The airline’s ambitious expansion plans include 127 Boeing 737 aircraft to be delivered over the next decade, in addition to the 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners scheduled to join the fleet starting in 2027.
From its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB), where it primarily operates out of Terminal 2 (with some flights from Terminal 3), flydubai has built an impressive route network. The airline currently serves more than 110 destinations across 55 countries, spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. What’s particularly notable is that 97 of these destinations were previously underserved markets, highlighting flydubai’s role in opening up new travel opportunities.
In Dubai, flydubai briefly operated flights from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) starting from October 2015, with 70 weekly flights to various destinations. This dual-airport strategy was implemented to accommodate the airline’s growth and support the expansion of Emirates at Dubai International Airport.
Quick Facts about flydubai
- Founded: March 19, 2008
- First Flight: June 1, 2009
- Headquarters: Terminal 2, Dubai International Airport, Dubai, UAE
- Ownership: Government of Dubai
- CEO: Ghaith Al-Ghaith
- Company Slogan: “Get Going”
- Fleet Size: 88 aircraft (as of 2024)
- Destinations: More than 110 across 55 countries
- Employees: More than 6,000 from 140 countries
- Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Partnerships: Codeshare agreements with Emirates, Air Canada, and United Airlines; 36 interline agreements
- Business Model: Low-cost carrier with premium options (Business Class)
Contact Information
For passengers and partners looking to reach flydubai, there are several channels available:
General Customer Service:
- Phone: +971-600-54-44-45
- Email: customer.feedback@flydubai.com
Headquarters:
- flydubai
- Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2
- PO Box 353
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cargo Services:
- Email: cargo@flydubai.com
For Booking:
- Online: www.flydubai.com
- Mobile app: flydubai official app
- Phone: Local customer service centers (fees may apply)
- Travel Shops: Located throughout flydubai’s network
For passengers calling from the UAE to book a flight, there is a service fee of AED 60 per passenger, per direction. Different fees may apply for calls from other countries.
Looking to the Future
flydubai stands at an exciting crossroads in its development, poised for significant expansion despite recent challenges with aircraft delivery delays. The airline’s strategic plans for the future encompass several key areas:
Fleet Expansion: Despite facing delays in Boeing’s aircraft delivery schedule that affected its 2024 expansion plans, flydubai is set to receive 12 new Boeing 737s in 2025. Looking further ahead, the introduction of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from 2027 represents a new chapter for the airline, enabling it to potentially serve long-haul destinations previously beyond its reach.
Network Growth: flydubai continues to identify opportunities to expand its network, particularly focusing on underserved markets. In 2024, despite reduced expansion plans due to aircraft delivery delays, the airline still managed to add 10 new destinations to its network, including Basel in Switzerland, Bhairahawa in Nepal, and Mombasa in Kenya.
Enhanced Customer Experience: flydubai has invested in improving the onboard experience for passengers. In 2024, the airline implemented a multimillion-dollar retrofit program for 25 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft and inaugurated a dedicated Business Class check-in area and new Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2, Dubai International Airport.
Sustainability Initiatives: In line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, flydubai relies on its young fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft to realize reduced carbon emissions, as these aircraft are 14% more fuel-efficient compared to their predecessors. The airline is also investing in technologies to improve operational efficiency and adopting a paperless approach for cargo operations.
Partnerships: Besides its strategic alliance with Emirates, the carrier has been forging new interline agreements. In 2024, the airline signed new interline agreements with Batik Air, Condor, and SriLankan Airlines, bringing its total to 36 interline agreements alongside three codeshare agreements.
Potential Fleet Diversification: While flydubai has traditionally operated an all-Boeing fleet, CEO Ghaith Al-Ghaith has indicated openness to potentially acquiring Airbus aircraft in the future, stating that the airline has “never been lucky enough to strike the right deal with Airbus” but that “in the future, you never know.”
flydubai has been a transformative force in the aviation landscape of the Middle East and beyond. By making air travel more accessible and affordable, connecting underserved markets, and consistently expanding its network, the airline has enabled millions of people to experience the benefits of air travel who might otherwise not have had the opportunity.
Keyword: TopAirlines