flydubai

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A Dubai government-owned airline offering low-cost and business-class air travel from the United Arab Emirates.

Last updated October 31, 2026

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Overview

flydubai is a government-owned Emirati airline headquartered at Dubai International Airport. Legally established by the Government of Dubai in 2008 as Dubai Aviation Corporation, it was created to expand the emirate's point-to-point air connectivity and make air travel from Dubai more accessible. The airline trades under the flydubai brand and is separate from Emirates, although Emirates provided support during its formation and the two airlines later developed cooperation in connecting their networks. The carrier began scheduled operations on 1 June 2009 with flights from Dubai to Beirut and Amman. Its initial fleet plan centered on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, giving the new airline a single-aircraft-family operating model suited to relatively short- and medium-haul routes. From its Dubai base, flydubai gradually expanded beyond traditional Gulf destinations into the wider Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia, and Europe. Its network has included destinations that were not always served directly from Dubai by other UAE carriers, helping position the airline as a connectivity and market-development operator as well as a low-fare carrier. flydubai's core proposition combines relatively simple economy-class travel with optional paid services and, on selected aircraft and routes, a separate business-class cabin. Economy passengers can access onboard food and entertainment options, while business-class passengers receive wider seating, enhanced catering, additional amenities, and selected airport services such as priority processing and lounge access. The airline's model is therefore not a purely bare-bones low-cost format: it uses a segmented product structure intended to serve leisure travelers, visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic, small-business travelers, and connecting passengers. The airline operates primarily from Dubai International Airport Terminal 2, with some services using Terminal 3 and Dubai World Central's Al Maktoum International Airport. Cooperation with Emirates has included interline and connecting-flight arrangements, including baggage transfer for eligible itineraries. This relationship gives flydubai access to a broader global distribution proposition while allowing Emirates to use flydubai's regional and emerging-market reach. Fleet development has been central to the brand's growth. After its original Boeing 737-800 order, flydubai became an important Boeing 737 MAX customer and was the first Middle Eastern airline to operate the 737 MAX. The worldwide grounding of the type in 2019 materially disrupted its growth plans because the airline had delivered aircraft of the type and had a large outstanding order book. flydubai subsequently continued expanding its network and fleet. In 2023 it announced an order for Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which would introduce widebody aircraft into its fleet and support longer-range growth. The company's public-facing slogan is “Get Going,” reflecting its emphasis on accessible mobility and direct connections. flydubai remains wholly owned by the Government of Dubai and is not publicly traded. Its chief executive is Ghaith Al Ghaith, while Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum serves as chairman. The airline's history also includes a serious safety event: Flight 981 crashed near Rostov-on-Don in 2016 during a go-around in poor weather, killing all 62 people aboard. A separate 2015 incident involved a flydubai aircraft being struck by small-arms fire while approaching Baghdad; it landed safely. These events form part of the airline's public operating history but do not by themselves establish a corporate scandal.

History

The Government of Dubai established flydubai in 2008 to create an additional aviation platform focused on affordable direct travel from the emirate. Although Emirates assisted the new carrier during its establishment, flydubai was organized and operated as a separate airline rather than as an Emirates subsidiary. Its first major fleet commitment was made at the 2008 Farnborough Airshow, when it ordered 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered in May 2009, and scheduled services began on 1 June of that year to Beirut and Amman. The early business model emphasized a standardized Boeing 737 fleet, high aircraft utilization, and a growing network of short- and medium-haul routes. flydubai expanded throughout the Gulf and Middle East and then moved into markets in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. It also developed operations at Dubai World Central's Al Maktoum International Airport in 2015, while retaining Dubai International Airport as its principal base. From 2018, selected flights began using Dubai International's Terminal 3, making connections with Emirates more convenient. As the airline matured, it broadened its product beyond basic economy travel. Business class was announced in 2013 and introduced with larger seats, enhanced food and beverage service, onboard entertainment, electrical power, and selected premium ground services. The change enabled flydubai to address business and higher-yield traffic while retaining its low-cost-oriented network model. The carrier also expanded its digital, technology, and passenger-service capabilities, including an Indian Development Centre in Hyderabad. Fleet growth accelerated through successive Boeing commitments. In 2013 and 2014, flydubai committed to additional 737 MAX and 737 Next Generation aircraft. It received its first 737 MAX 8 in 2017 and became the first Middle Eastern operator of the type. A much larger commitment announced at the 2017 Dubai Airshow covered 175 firm 737 MAX aircraft and purchase rights for 50 more. The 737 MAX grounding beginning in 2019 interrupted this expansion. flydubai stated that the grounding affected 11 aircraft and a much larger order book, and that it reached an interim compensation arrangement with Boeing whose details were confidential. The airline faced an exceptionally difficult commercial environment in 2020. Passenger demand and revenue fell sharply during the COVID-19 crisis, and the company introduced salary reductions and unpaid leave arrangements. Despite this period, it continued to develop its network. In November 2020, flydubai announced direct Dubai–Tel Aviv services, adding a strategically significant route between the UAE and Israel. Safety incidents have also shaped the company's public history. In January 2015, Flight 215 was struck by small-arms fire while approaching Baghdad; the aircraft landed safely and no passengers required medical treatment at the airport. On 19 March 2016, Flight 981 crashed at Rostov-on-Don during a go-around in adverse weather, killing all 62 people aboard. The investigation cited in the reference material attributed the crash to pilot error. In 2023, flydubai announced an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The order represented a planned transition from an exclusively narrowbody operation to a mixed narrowbody-widebody fleet and was intended to support longer-range expansion. The airline continues to operate under Government of Dubai ownership, with Ghaith Al Ghaith as chief executive and Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman.

2023
Widebody fleet announced
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
flydubai announces an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, its first planned widebody aircraft.
2020
Dubai–Tel Aviv route announced
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
The airline announces direct commercial flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
2017
First Boeing 737 MAX delivery
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
flydubai takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 and becomes the first Middle Eastern airline to operate the type.
2016
Rostov-on-Don accident
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
Flight 981 crashes during a go-around at Rostov-on-Don, killing all 62 people aboard.
2015
Operations begin at Al Maktoum International Airport
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
flydubai adds scheduled services from Dubai World Central's Al Maktoum International Airport.
2013
Business-class product announced
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
The airline announces a business-class cabin and related premium airport and onboard services.
2009
Commercial operations begin
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
flydubai receives its first aircraft and starts scheduled flights from Dubai to Beirut and Amman.
2008
Government of Dubai establishes the airline
[1]Flydubaien.wikipedia.org
Dubai establishes Dubai Aviation Corporation, which operates under the flydubai brand, and the new carrier places an initial order for 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Products and positioning

Government-backed Dubai-based low-cost and value-oriented airline with optional premium services and a broad regional network.

Passenger cabin · 2009
Economy Class
flydubai's standard cabin is built around value-oriented air travel. Depending on route and fare conditions, passengers may purchase or receive meals, snacks, beverages, entertainment, baggage, and other ancillary services. Longer routes and selected European or African services may include more substantial meal options, while other flights use a buy-on-board or pre-order format.
Passenger cabin · 2013
Business Class
Introduced as the airline expanded beyond a strictly basic low-cost proposition, Business Class provides wider seating, increased seat pitch, enhanced food and beverage choices, entertainment, power, blankets, pillows, and noise-reducing headphones. At selected airports, the product can include priority check-in, fast-track security, and lounge access.
Fleet and network offering · 2009
Boeing 737 network
The Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX families form the foundation of flydubai's route system. The standardized narrowbody fleet supports frequent point-to-point services from Dubai across nearby and medium-haul international markets and enables the airline to serve destinations throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Travel distribution and connectivity
Emirates connecting itineraries
Cooperation with Emirates allows eligible travelers to combine flydubai and Emirates flights on connecting itineraries. The arrangement supports broader network access and may include through-checking of baggage, subject to itinerary and airport conditions.

Controversies

2026
Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attack
Saudi Arabia has launched an air accident safety investigation under international rules into FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was in Saudi airspace when the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe. A UAE-led criminal investigation is proceeding separately, and an NTSB representative has joined the safety probe. It remains unclear whether Saudi investigators will publish their findings.
Source

2023
Plan entry into widebody operationsGeneration change
Background
flydubai was seeking additional range and capacity beyond its established narrowbody network.
Action taken
The airline announced an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Aftermath
The planned deliveries would mark a significant change in fleet structure and enable consideration of longer-distance markets.
Aircraft order value. Approximately US$11 billion at announced value (Announced at the 2023 Dubai Airshow)
Source
2017
Introduce the Boeing 737 MAXGeneration change
Background
The airline was expanding its network and needed newer, more efficient aircraft.
Action taken
flydubai accepted its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 and later pursued a large MAX order.
Aftermath
The aircraft became an important part of the planned fleet, although the type's 2019 global grounding disrupted deployment and growth.
Source
2013
Add Business ClassProduct launch
Background
flydubai sought to attract business travelers and increase product segmentation while retaining its value-oriented network.
Action taken
The airline introduced a premium cabin with enhanced seating, catering, entertainment, and selected airport services.
Aftermath
Business Class became available on a growing portion of the network.
Source
2008
Adopt a standardized Boeing narrowbody fleetStrategy
Background
The newly created airline needed an operating model suited to frequent regional and medium-haul services from Dubai.
Action taken
flydubai placed an initial order for 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, establishing a common fleet platform.
Aftermath
The standardized fleet became the basis for the airline's early network expansion.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.21
Airlines cancel services to Saudi cities[10]多家航空公司取消飞往沙特城市的航班gulfnews.com
Etihad extended cancellations of flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam through October 24. Emirates, flydubai, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo also cancelled or suspended services to the cities or Saudi Arabia through that date.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.18
Airlines extend Saudi flight suspensions[11]多家航空公司延长沙特航班停飞gulfnews.com
Several airlines extended suspensions of flights to Saudi Arabia, with affected services facing cancellations and schedule changes. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air and SriLankan Airlines listed affected routes and suspension end dates.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.09
UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight[9]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attacknews.google.com
According to the UAE, an Omani flydubai co-pilot planned a suicide attack on a Tel Aviv flight.
Unconfirmed
Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attack[3]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attackaero-news.net
Saudi Arabia has launched an air accident safety investigation under international rules into FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was in Saudi airspace when the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe. A UAE-led criminal investigation is proceeding separately, and an NTSB representative has joined the safety probe. It remains unclear whether Saudi investigators will publish their findings.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.05
Israeli officials say flydubai co-pilot planned attack before joining airline[4]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attacknews.google.com
Two Israeli officials said, as reported by Reuters, that a flydubai co-pilot had planned an attack before joining the airline.
2026.10.03
Reported2026.10.03
UAE-led investigation into Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack proceeds, with Israeli investigators taking part[5]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attackcnbc.com
On Saturday, 3 October 2026, UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations into the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack were ongoing, to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives and any related connections, and to examine physical and digital evidence. His comments were the first by Emirati authorities to describe the incident as an attempted 'terrorist' attack. An Israeli government official said Israeli investigators would take part alongside Emirati authorities in the UAE-led investigation.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.01
UAE launches investigation into flydubai attack[7]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attacknews.google.com
UAE authorities launched an investigation into the reported attack involving flydubai; separately, Israel vowed to get to the 'root' of the attack.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.01
Attack involving flydubai[7]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attacknews.google.com
An attack involving the airline flydubai was reported (referred to as the 'flydubai attack'). Israel vowed to get to the 'root' of the attack and the UAE launched an investigation into the incident. The source does not specify the nature, location, or date of the attack.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.01
Israel to get to the 'root' of co-pilot in foiled flydubai flight crash attempt[6]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attacknews.google.com
Following a co-pilot's foiled bid to crash a flydubai flight, Netanyahu said Israel will get to the 'root' of the co-pilot involved.
2026.09.30
Reported2026.09.30
flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Saudi Arabia after in-flight pilot stabbing incident[8]Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attackcnbc.com
flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv transmitted a general emergency signal and another emergency signal indicating possible unlawful interference and diverted to Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026. Two Israeli officials said the co-pilot was believed to have stabbed the captain before cabin crew entered the cockpit and took control of the plane, and that Israel's current assessment is that the incident was an attempted 'terror attack'. Saudi Arabia's Tabuk airport said both pilots had been hospitalised after sustaining injuries; the airline said the flight landed safely and all passengers were safe and accounted for.

Sources18 sources

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