flydubai: The complete company profile
A growing company in the global aviation industry, flydubai, has carved a niche for itself in budget air travel. Their extensive network spans passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, including the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Indian Subcontinent and Europe. Driven by innovation and a clear vision for the future, flydubai embodies the progressive spirit of the UAE.
Let’s look at the complete profile of this growing aviation company.
About
flydubai was founded in July 2008 by the Dubai government, aiming to become a major airline. While it operates independently from Emirates, it received support during its initial launch phase.
To get its fleet off the ground, flydubai signed a major deal with Boeing at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008. The agreement secured 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with the option to upgrade to the longer-range 737-900ER if needed.
The first plane arrived in May 2009, and just a month later, flydubai took off with its inaugural flights to Beirut and Amman. Since then, the airline’s network has grown significantly, offering a wider range of destinations.
If talking statistically, flydubai now flies to more than 125 destinations in 58 countries and is constantly adding new cities to its network. Over 100 million passengers have flown via flydubai, making it the second largest carrier, by passenger numbers, operating out of Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Fleet
flydubai keeps its fleet focused on a single type of aircraft, the Boeing 737. They currently operate 87 in total, with a mix of 29 Next-Generation 737-800s, 55 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9s.
Interestingly, the airline has a history of strategic acquisitions. Since 2008, they’ve placed four aircraft orders, including the largest single-aisle aircraft order in the region at the 2017 Dubai Airshow.
Most recently, they placed their first wide-body order for 30 Boeing 787-9s at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, signalling a potential expansion in the future.
Destinations
flydubai has a network of more than 110 destinations across 50 countries and operates more than 1,900 flights each week, on average.
Africa
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Somaliland
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Central Asia
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
Europe
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latia
- Lithuania
- Montenegro
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Indian Subcontinent
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Middle East
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
South East Asia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
The flydubai website also has tour guides for each country, highlighting the main attractions you’ll find there.
In-flight Features
flydubai Business Class
flydubai’s business class elevates your travel experience as soon as you arrive at the airport. You can skip the regular lines and head straight to the dedicated business class flydubai check-in desk. Also, priority services include quick boarding and a private bus to take you to the aircraft.
Before takeoff, you can relax at the exclusive business class lounge in Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport. You can also access the Emirates Business Class lounge when departing from Terminal 3.
This pampering continues throughout the network, with access to airport lounges at most destinations.
On board, you can enjoy a personal, professional and friendly service from a crew member dedicated to the Business Class cabin. Choose a delicious meal from an internationally-inspired menu for flights with over 90 minutes duration. For shorter journeys, lighter cold meals are served.
Visit the website to check flydubai ticket prices for business class to different destinations.
Boeing 737 MAX
flydubai Business Class offers two seat options: reclining seats and lie-flat seats. Their newest reclining seat boasts increased upper body space and a comfortable footwell for a full recline. You can also choose the lie-flat seat that transforms into a full bed, perfect for getting a restful night’s sleep during your journey.
Next-Generation Boeing 737-800
Crafted with soft Italian leather, spacious seats in the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 plane feature built-in lumbar support, generous recline and extendable leg rests.
flydubai Economy Class
flydubai’s Economy Class is light on the pocket without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy a relaxing journey with complimentary meals included on Value and Flex fares. Lite fares allow pre-purchase meals for added convenience. No matter your ticket type, you’ll have access to a selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase throughout the flight.
Next-Generation Boeing 737-800
This aircraft has seats that are innovatively designed to optimise legroom and maximise comfort. The increased overhead locker and mood lighting system creates an atmosphere that allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Economy class seats are high quality and their ergonomic comfort and innovative design sets them apart. With the seat pocket at the top of the seat, you’ll get more legroom to stretch out and relax.
Partners
Payment Partners
Paying for your flydubai fare in cash is safe and easy with their payment partners, including banks, currency exchange companies, retail shops and kiosks.
- ADCB
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Emirates NBD
- BoB Finance s.a.l
- Al Ansari Exchange
- Redha Al Ansari Exchange
- Al Fardan Exchange
- Al Ghurair Exchange LLP
- Orient Exchange
- Al Rostamani International Exchange
- Sharaf Exchange
- aswaaq
- The Cube
- ZOOM/ENOC/EPPCO
Voucher Partners
You can now pay for your flights with flydubai vouchers purchased using your loyalty points earned with the loyalty programme partners.
- Dubai First
- Emirates Islamic Bank
Cargo Services
flydubai offers budget-friendly cargo services alongside their passenger flights. Here’s a breakdown of what they provide:
General Cargo
This service is a reliable and affordable transport solution for all types of goods with state-of-the-art technology and cargo handling facilities.
Priority Cargo
flydubai guarantees your cargo will fly on the specific flight you book. If, for some reason, it doesn’t, you’ll get the difference between the General and Priority rate refunded
Dangerous Goods
The transport of dangerous goods by air is subject to national, international and the carrier’s regulations.
Perishable goods, Pharmaceuticals, and Temperature-Controlled Cargo
flydubai understands the importance of maintaining optimal temperatures for your perishable goods and pharmaceuticals. That’s why they guarantee a temperature-controlled environment throughout your shipment’s journey, from pick-up to delivery.
If you plan to use a tracking device for your shipment, make sure it’s compatible with flydubai’s regulations. Simply visit their website and check the “Approved Devices Registry” to see if your device is listed. If not, you can download the “Cargo Tracking Device Approval Form” and follow the instructions for approval.
Valuable Cargo
flydubai flights offer secure transportation for your valuables. They accept items with a declared value starting from USD 1,000 per kg, ensuring your precious cargo is protected throughout the journey.
Courier and Mail
The company offers express shipping of documents and packages for courier service providers. They also provide quality and reliable air transport solutions for postal service providers at selected flydubai destinations.
Live Animals
flydubai cargo flights offer safe and comfortable pet transportation, ensuring your pet arrives at its new destination without hassle. They even provide door-to-door service in select locations for your convenience (check for availability).
Depending on your needs, you can choose General Cargo (cost-effective but not guaranteed on a specific flight) or Priority Cargo (guaranteed on the booked flight with a price difference). They also offer services for dangerous goods and express shipping for time-sensitive items.
You can check the official website to find out where are the cargo delivery/collection points at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
FAQs
What is flydubai contact number?
For general queries in Dubai, you can contact the airline at 600-544-445. The flydubai travel shop is in ENI Sapphire Tower, Office number 6, Al Ittihad Road, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai.
What time does check-in open at the airport?
The flydubai check-in opens three hours before any scheduled departure and closes 60 minutes before departure.
What terminals do flydubai flights operate from out of Dubai?
flydubai operates flights from Terminal 2 with select flights from Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The airport name and terminal number will be mentioned in your booking confirmation.
Does flydubai codeshare with Emirates?
Along with Emirates, flydubai has signed a codeshare agreement with Air Canada and SpiceJet as well.
What happens if I miss my flight?
If you missed your flydubai bookings, rebooking and refunds depend on your fare type. “Lite” and “Value” fares offer no refunds for no-shows. For “Flex” and “Business” fares, you can rebook within 30 days (720 hours) of your original flight for any fare difference.
However, you lose the ticket and any refund if you miss the rebooking window. Contact their customer support, email, or visit a flydubai travel shop to rebook.
This concludes our profile on flydubai. The airline is fast on its way to becoming a leading airline company in the aviation industry. Another popular airline in the country is Etihad Airways.
If you travel frequently and spend most of the time at the airport, check out airport lounges in Dubai. These premium lounges offer customers a world of upscale facilities.
Aside from great dining options at the lounges, there are several Dubai International Airport restaurants where you can grab a bite before your flight. But be mindful about carrying any item from the list of banned food items in Dubai at the airport.
If you live in the capital city and are travelling soon, our guide to Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi can come in handy while locating terminals and other facilities.
Want to know more about the aviation world? Stay tuned to MyBayut!
