TL;DR: Starting 1 October 2026, flydubai will operate its first dedicated freighter flights, deploying three Boeing 737-800 aircraft sourced on wet-lease terms from SolitAir – a move that shifts the carrier from pure belly-freight into scheduled main-deck operations. Each aircraft carries up to 23 tonnes per flight, operating from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport. This marks the airline’s first step into dedicated cargo flying, with wider expansion planned through 30 Boeing 787s and potential passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029.

flydubai is entering the dedicated freighter market. The Dubai-based carrier confirmed it will launch cargo-only operations on 1 October 2026, timing the move to capture peak Q4 freight demand across its regional network. Three Boeing 737-800 freighters, wet-leased from SolitAir, will form the initial fleet. The carrier describes this as the first phase of its cargo fleet expansion.

Today, flydubai moves belly freight on all 98 of its Boeing 737 narrowbodies, serving a passenger network of more than 125 destinations. Belly capacity is contingent on available space beneath passenger cabins, whereas dedicated freighter capacity is scheduled independently – a distinction that matters for high-care commodities.

Three Aircraft, 23 Tonnes Each: The Launch Fleet Breakdown

Wet-leasing typically reduces upfront capital commitment and accelerates time to operation – a common rationale for launch-phase freighter programmes. Under this arrangement, SolitAir supplies the aircraft complete with crew and maintenance.

Each Boeing 737-800 freighter offers payload capacity of up to 23 tonnes per flight – a substantial payload figure for a converted narrowbody on regional and medium-haul routes. The 737-800 converted freighter is well-suited to the high-frequency, time-sensitive cargo markets that dominate Middle East trade, including time-critical express shipments, temperature-sensitive goods, and commodities with specific handling requirements such as dangerous goods and live animals.

23tMaximum payload capacity per Boeing 737-800 freighter flight

Al Maktoum Airport: The Right Base for a Freight Operation

Basing the freighters at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport is a deliberate choice. A base at Al Maktoum puts flydubai Cargo inside Dubai South’s logistics corridor, supporting both scheduled routes and ad-hoc charter work.

Initial routes will target high-demand regional markets, with planned frequency increases as the programme scales.

3Boeing 737-800 freighters wet-leased from SolitAir at launch

Phase Two: 787s, Conversions and Long-Term Cargo Growth

The three 737-800 freighters are explicitly described as the first phase of flydubai’s cargo fleet expansion. The introduction of 30 Boeing 787 widebody aircraft is expected to further increase cargo capacity as flydubai expands its network. More belly capacity means more cargo revenue without adding dedicated freighter aircraft.

Beyond the 787s, flydubai is evaluating passenger-to-freighter conversions as a potential option from 2029. CSN note: passenger-to-freighter conversion programmes are a common route to freighter capacity across the industry; however, the specifics of any flydubai conversion programme – including which airframes might be involved – have not been confirmed. The evaluation signals genuine long-term ambition in cargo – not merely a short-term response to peak-season demand.

30Boeing 787 widebody aircraft planned for introduction

CSN Perspective: What This Move Signals for Regional Forwarders

flydubai’s entry into dedicated freighter operations reflects a broader trend. Passenger carriers across the Gulf are treating cargo as a strategic revenue line, not an afterthought. When an airline with more than 125 destinations and a 98-strong Boeing 737 narrowbody fleet commits three dedicated freighters timed to the Q4 peak season, it is adding real, bookable capacity to lanes that often run tight during that period. For forwarders moving pharmaceuticals, perishables or express cargo through Dubai, new freighter capacity from a carrier with regional network depth is worth monitoring.

Main-deck access opens flydubai Cargo to high-care commodity categories – including time-sensitive express freight, temperature-controlled goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishables, live animals, dangerous goods and aerospace components – that require dedicated handling and cannot be reliably accommodated in belly-hold operations. If you are quoting cargo into or out of Dubai on Middle East trade lanes, compare available capacity across carriers before rates move and firm up your quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does flydubai start dedicated freighter operations?

flydubai launches its dedicated freighter programme on 1 October 2026, timed to capture Q4 peak freight demand on regional trade lanes.

Which aircraft will flydubai use for its freighter service?

Three Boeing 737-800 freighters, wet-leased from SolitAir, will form the initial fleet. Each aircraft carries up to 23 tonnes of cargo per flight.

Where will the flydubai freighters be based?

The freighters will operate from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, located within the Dubai South logistics district.

What types of cargo will flydubai’s freighters accept?

Main-deck capacity enables acceptance of a broad range of high-care freight types, including:

  • Temperature-controlled goods – pharmaceuticals and perishables
  • Time-sensitive express shipments
  • Live animals
  • Dangerous goods
  • Aerospace components

These commodity types typically require main-deck access and cannot be reliably accommodated in standard belly-hold operations.

What are flydubai’s longer-term cargo expansion plans?

flydubai plans to introduce 30 Boeing 787 widebody aircraft, which will further increase cargo capacity as the network expands. The airline is also evaluating passenger-to-freighter conversions as a potential fleet option from 2029 onwards.

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