Dubai's low-cost airline Flydubai...

UAE carrier serves 15.4 million passengers, up 11%, as profits soar

Dubai-based airline Flydubai has posted record annual results for 2024, with revenue, profits and passenger numbers all reaching new heights.

Flydubai reported a pre-tax profit of AED2.5 billion (US$674 million), up 16% on the previous year, while total revenue rose 15% to reach AED12.8 billion (US$3.5 billion). The airline carried 15.4 million passengers in 2024, up 11%.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Flydubai, said the 15-year-old airline has emerged as a "key player" in the aviation industry in Dubai and the wider region and continues to "push boundaries and reach new milestones year-on-year".

"Its business model is built on solid foundations and an unwavering commitment to supporting Dubai’s economic and tourism vision. Forging invaluable air links to underserved markets has supported Dubai’s thriving aviation hub, making Dubai one of the most accessible and connected cities in the world.”

Flydubai's strongest-ever financial results

Since commencing operations in June 2009, Flydubai has opened more than 97 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai. It has flown more than 120 million passengers.

Flydubai grew its network to 131 destinations in 55 countries in 2024, reinstating operations to Al Jouf in Saudi Arabia and Sochi in Russia, and adding 10 new destinations including Basel in Switzerland, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, and The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.

Its Business Class offering continued to attract more customers, carrying almost half a million passengers in 2024. A dedicated Flydubai Business Class lounge opened in Terminal 2 of Dubai International airport (DXB) in December.

Flydubai Business Class Lounge

However, 2024 was not without its challenges. CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the annual results demonstrate the airline’s ability to grow while navigating difficult economic and geopolitical challenges.

The carrier had to reassess route development plans due to ongoing challenges with aircraft delivery schedules. By the end of 2024, Flydubai had 88 aircraft, but did not receive any of the aircraft that were due for 2024 delivery as Boeing continues to struggle to fulfill orders.

Flydubai has 127 Boeing 737 aircraft on order, plus 30 787 Dreamliners from the US manufacturer, and expects to receive 737s in 2025 to continue growing its fleet, replace some existing aircraft and support network expansion plans.

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com

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