UAE’s flydubai celebrates 16th anniversary with record profits and new routes
88-strong fleet and 136 routes define the airline’s milestone year
DUBAI: UAE-based low-cost airline flydubai marked its 16th anniversary on 1 June 2025, commemorating the milestone with a record-breaking year in both financial performance and operational growth.
The celebration coincided with the resumption of flights to Damascus, one of the airline’s original destinations, following a 12-year pause due to regional conflict.
Launched in 2009 with an inaugural flight to Beirut, flydubai has since emerged as a vital pillar in Dubai’s aviation landscape. The airline has expanded its network to over 136 destinations across 58 countries and now boasts a fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft.
Fleet and routes
The carrier’s growth has been driven by its dynamic route network, which includes destinations in Africa, Central Asia, Europe, the GCC, South Asia, and South-East Asia. Over the past 16 years, flydubai has opened more than 100 new air links that previously lacked direct service to Dubai or were underserved by UAE national carriers.
flydubai’s current fleet comprises 29 Boeing 737-800s, 56 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9s. In 2023, the airline announced an $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – its first move into operating wide-body aircraft. Despite delays in Boeing’s delivery schedule, flydubai expects to receive 12 new Boeing 737s in 2025 to support further network expansion and replace ageing aircraft.
Financial highs
Celebrating more than just longevity, flydubai also reported its best-ever financial results in 2024. Pre-tax profits surged by 16% to Dh2.5 billion ($674 million), while total revenue rose to Dh12.8 billion ($3.5 billion) – a 15% increase from Dh11.2 billion ($3 billion) the previous year.
Passenger traffic also saw a healthy boost, with 15.4 million passengers flown in 2024 – an 11% rise year-on-year. EBITDA climbed 15% to Dh4.1 billion ($1.1 billion), reflecting strong operational efficiency.
flydubai Chairman and Emirates CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum hailed the results as a “milestone” in the airline’s journey. “In its young, but impactful, journey, it has emerged as a key player in the aviation industry in Dubai and the region,” he said.
Workforce and partnerships
The airline employs more than 6,400 staff representing 144 nationalities. flydubai has also invested in long-term growth initiatives, including the UAE National Cadet Programme and Engineering Apprenticeship schemes aimed at developing local aviation talent.
Its close strategic alignment with Emirates continues to benefit both carriers, leveraging Dubai’s central global location and world-class aviation infrastructure. flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “Our strategic plans are highly influenced by the manufacturer’s ability to deliver on their promise to bring the aircraft delivery schedules back on track.”
Return to Damascus
Adding to the significance of the anniversary, flydubai reinstated its daily service to Damascus on 1 June 2025. The inaugural flight FZ 115 departed from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 at 06:30 and arrived in Damascus at 08:45 local time, marking the resumption of direct air links after a 12-year hiatus.
The return flight, FZ 116, touched down in Dubai by afternoon. The first passengers were welcomed at Damascus International Airport by UAE Ambassador to Syria Hassan Al Shehhi and Syrian aviation officials.
“Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region,” said Al Ghaith. The route will be operated with both Business and Economy class cabins and is expected to serve peak holiday demand during Eid Al Adha and beyond.
The return of Damascus to flydubai’s network reflects broader diplomatic and economic ties between the UAE and Syria, strengthened following a recent state visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara to Abu Dhabi.
Looking ahead
With 127 more Boeing 737s scheduled for delivery and 30 Dreamliners on order, flydubai is positioning itself for continued regional and global expansion. The airline aims to further enhance its customer experience, boost connectivity, and support Dubai’s broader tourism and economic ambitions in the years ahead.