flydubai Cargo launches its own freighter network from Dubai World Central
flydubai Cargo began scheduled and charter freighter operations in October with three Boeing 737-800 freighters based at Al Maktoum International. The first routes serve the Gulf, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
- flydubai Cargo has started operating its own freighter schedule for the first time, from October 2026.
- Three Boeing 737-800 freighters are based at Al Maktoum International (DWC).
- Planned destinations include Doha, Kuwait, Erbil, Almaty, Karachi, Mumbai, Delhi, Hanoi and Nairobi.
flydubai has launched a dedicated freighter operation. The Dubai-based carrier aims to win growing demand for e-commerce, specialised shipments and regional trade, which narrowbody belly capacity has not served well. The Loadstar reported the launch on 2 October.
Fleet and products
The operation uses three Boeing 737-800 freighters based at Al Maktoum International (DWC). The airport gives the carrier its own airside facilities and direct access to Dubai's multimodal logistics network. flydubai Cargo will offer both scheduled freighter services and point-to-point charters. The carrier is also introducing a portfolio of ten products, from time-critical pharmaceuticals to high-volume general cargo.
A flydubai Cargo executive told The Loadstar that belly space alone could not give customers the schedule certainty, flexibility and special handling they now need. The executive said frequencies and network reach will grow in line with operational capacity.
Initial schedule
AeroRoutes published the planned October operation from DWC:
| Route from DWC | Start | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Doha | 1 Oct 2026 | 2 weekly |
| Karachi | 1 Oct 2026 | 3 weekly |
| Sulaymaniyah | 1 Oct 2026 | 2 weekly |
| Kuwait City | 2 Oct 2026 | 3 weekly |
| Erbil | 4 Oct 2026 | 2 weekly |
| Kabul – Delhi – DWC | 10 Oct 2026 | 1 weekly |
| Chennai – Hanoi – Delhi – DWC | 19 Oct 2026 | Single flight |
The Loadstar also lists Almaty, Mumbai and Nairobi among the target markets, with more destinations to follow as demand grows.
Balanced flows through Dubai
The carrier expects cargo flows through Dubai to be balanced. E-commerce, electronics and general trade lead outbound volumes, while fresh produce is the largest inbound category. Express shipments move in both directions.
What this means for shippers
- The network adds regional main-deck capacity around the Gulf, South Asia and Central Asia. This may help sea-air and air-air connections via Dubai for cargo moving between Asia and Europe.
- The 737-800F is a narrowbody freighter, so check piece sizes and weights before booking.
- The schedule is new and frequencies are low. Confirm departures directly and keep backup routings for urgent shipments during the Q4 peak.