Dubai-based carrier flydubai reported an 11% increase in its workforce in 2025, bringing its total headcount to 6,763 employees.
The expansion supports the airline’s growing network and fleet, and includes new pilot and engineering training programmes to strengthen in-house capabilities.
Financial performance
The airline posted a pre-tax profit of Dhs2.2 billion (USD 591 million) for the year ending December 31, 2025. Total revenue reached Dhs13.6 billion (USD 3.7 billion), up 6% from Dhs12.8 billion (USD 3.5 billion) in 2024. Profit after tax stood at Dhs1.9 billion (USD 531 million).
“Reporting its fifth consecutive year of strong profitability is a clear testament to flydubai’s disciplined strategy and operational resilience,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai.
The airline carried a record 15.7 million passengers in 2025, with business class demand rising 19% compared to 2024. Passenger growth was strongest in the Middle East (17%), followed by Africa and Europe (both 12%).
Network and fleet expansion
flydubai expanded its network to 140 destinations across 58 countries, adding nine new routes and resuming operations to three others. Overall network capacity and passenger kilometres both rose 6%, while passenger yield increased 3%.
The airline received 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 97 with an average age of 5.5 years. It also retrofitted eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft, completing work on 25 in total. Flydubai announced orders for 150 Airbus A321neos and 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, part of its long-term fleet strategy.
Operational efficiency
flydubai operated 126,604 flights in 2025 and recorded over 400 daily departures during peak travel periods in December. On-time departure performance improved by 6% compared to 2024. Fuel accounted for 25% of operating expenses, and the airline ended the year with Dhs5.6 billion (USD 1.5 billion) in cash and bank balances, including pre-delivery payments.
The airline also continued its sustainability initiatives, using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that are 14% more fuel-efficient and launching a solar power project at its campus expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1,211 tonnes.
Customer experience and partnerships
In November 2025, flydubai enhanced its Economy Class offering, introducing meals and inflight entertainment for all fares. The airline will also roll out complimentary high-speed Starlink connectivity across its fleet from 2026.
flydubai’s partnership with Emirates allowed more than 2.5 million passengers to access 243 destinations across 103 countries. The airline signed 11 new interline agreements, bringing its total to 42 partners, and maintains codeshare deals with Air Canada, Emirates and United Airlines.
Workforce and training
Alongside the 11% headcount growth, flydubai launched the Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme and an Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Apprenticeship. The airline also expanded executive and cadet training programmes, supporting long-term growth and preparing its workforce for future operational demands.
Outlook for 2026
CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said, “The fundamentals of our business are strong, and we are well-positioned to meet sustained demand for both leisure and business travel. Our focus remains on investing in AI-driven technologies, developing our people, expanding our network and fleet, and maintaining operational efficiency while keeping our customers at the centre of everything we do.”
flydubai expects to receive 12 new aircraft in 2026, including seven Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to expand Business Class capacity, and plans to launch Bangkok later this year as part of its Southeast Asia expansion.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
