flydubai has announced a remarkable financial performance for the year ending 31 December 2024, marking its strongest year yet. The airline posted a pre-tax profit of AED 2.5 billion (USD 674 million), up 16% from the previous year. Total revenue rose by 15%, reaching AED 12.8 billion (USD 3.5 billion), driven by an expanding network and a solid business model.
Flydubai’s chairmain, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, celebrated the airline’s achievements, emphasizing its vital role in connecting Dubai to underserved markets. “Flydubai’s success is a reflection of Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership,” he said. “Our airline has become a crucial part of the city’s global connectivity, supporting both trade and tourism.”
The airline’s growth wasn’t just financial. Flydubai saw a 15% increase in its EBITDA, reaching AED 4.1 billion (USD 1.1 billion), underscoring its operational efficiency and focus on digital transformation. Thanks to lower fuel prices, fuel costs as a percentage of operating expenses fell to 28% in 2024, down from 32% in 2023. Flydubai ended the year with a robust cash balance of AED 4.7 billion (USD 1.3 billion).
Passenger numbers also soared. Flydubai carried 15.4 million people in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023. Its Business Class product continued to draw in more travelers, with a notable 18% rise in bookings. The airline’s expanding network and diverse customer base helped drive this success, which saw demand for both business and leisure travel continue to grow.
CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith reflected on the airline’s continued growth. “This record-breaking year is proof of our ability to adapt and thrive, even in challenging times. The hard work and dedication of our team, combined with our collaborative approach with partners, have been key to our success.”
Flydubai’s network grew to 131 destinations in 55 countries in 2024, adding exciting new routes like Basel, Switzerland, and Langkawi, Malaysia. While the airline faced challenges with aircraft deliveries, it remained flexible, reinstating services to destinations like Al Jouf in Saudi Arabia and Sochi in Russia.
By the end of 2024, flydubai’s fleet had grown to 88 aircraft, with an average age of just 5.3 years. Although no new aircraft were received as planned due to ongoing delivery delays, the airline’s order book remains strong, with 127 Boeing 737s and 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on the horizon.
Sustainability remains a priority for flydubai, which continues to invest in its young, fuel-efficient fleet to support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. The airline’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft is 14% more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, helping reduce its carbon footprint. Flydubai is also investing in cutting-edge technologies to further improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.
On the customer experience front, flydubai made major improvements in 2024. The airline rolled out a fleet retrofit project, refreshing 25 Boeing 737-800 aircraft with upgraded Business Class seats and new Economy Class cabins. The airline also opened a dedicated Business Class check-in area and lounge at Dubai International Airport, offering premium passengers an even more seamless experience both in the air and on the ground.
Flydubai’s network of partnerships also continued to expand. In 2024, the airline signed new interline agreements with Batik Air, Condor, and SriLankan Airlines, bringing its total to 36 partners. The airline’s collaboration with Emirates also allowed nearly 2.3 million passengers to travel seamlessly across 235 destinations in 101 countries.
Looking ahead, flydubai is focused on expanding its reach, enhancing the customer experience, and continuing its investment in sustainable practices. With a growing workforce of over 6,000 employees, including new trainees through the UAE Cadet Programme and Engineering Apprenticeship, flydubai is preparing for its next phase of growth.
In recognition of its achievements, flydubai earned the Four-Star Major Airline rating from APEX in 2024, along with awards for Best Connectivity in the Middle East and Exceptional Products and Services Innovation.
With a clear vision and a strong foundation, flydubai is poised for even greater success in the coming years. The airline’s growth story is far from over, and 2024 was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter
