Source : WAM
flydubai reported a robust financial performance for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of AED 2.2 billion (US$591 million). Total revenue reached AED 13.6 billion (US$3.7 billion), a 6 percent increase from AED 12.8 billion (US$3.5 billion) in 2024.
The airline’s profit after tax stood at AED 1.9 billion (US$531 million), reflecting the strength of its strategic network expansion, continued investment in innovation, improvements in customer experience, and its commitment to serving underserved markets.
Commenting on the results, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: “Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, flydubai’s achievements align with Dubai’s broader economic vision, where aviation is a cornerstone of growth. Reporting a fifth consecutive year of strong profitability demonstrates our disciplined strategy and operational resilience.
“Throughout 2025, the airline leveraged Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub, capturing strong, sustained passenger demand. At the same time, we focused on operational efficiency, investing wisely in fleet, technology, products, and talent to support future growth.”
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed added: “I am proud to see flydubai support H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, in driving the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). By connecting Dubai to over 100 underserved markets, flydubai has helped attract visitors and reinforced the city’s position as a hub for trade, tourism, and opportunity.”
flydubai maintained a strong EBITDA of AED 4.0 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2025. Fuel costs accounted for 25 percent of total operating expenses, and the closing cash and bank balance, including pre-delivery payments, was AED 5.6 billion (US$1.5 billion). Operational efficiency remained a strategic priority, with on-time departure performance improving by 6 percent compared to 2024.
The airline carried a record 15.7 million passengers in 2025, supported by robust demand for both business and leisure travel. Business Class demand grew 19 percent year-on-year. Increased flight frequencies and network expansion contributed to passenger growth, with the Middle East up 17 percent, Africa 12 percent, and Europe 12 percent.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Our strong 2025 performance reflects the resilience of our business model and the agility of our team. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain challenges, and rising maintenance costs, we maintained operational efficiency and commercial momentum.
“We remain focused on disciplined growth, expanding our network, and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub. Today, we connect 140 airports to Dubai, supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, while contributing to economic growth. Investments in technology, innovation, and customer experience will lay strong foundations for the future.”
flydubai operated 126,604 flights in 2025, marking the second-highest number of flights in the UAE, with over 400 departures in a single day during peak travel periods in December. The airline expanded its network by nine new destinations, bringing its total to 140 destinations in 58 countries.
Network capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), rose 6 percent, while Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) also grew 6 percent, with passenger yield improving by 3 percent compared to 2024.
flydubai added 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to 97 planes with an average age of 5.5 years. Three Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft were retired, and eight were retrofitted as part of a fleet modernization program, bringing the total retrofitted aircraft to 25.
The airline concluded 2025 with a strong presence at the Dubai Airshow, announcing new aircraft orders, including 150 Airbus A321neos and 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. A new agreement will introduce complimentary high-speed Starlink inflight connectivity across the fleet from 2026.
The Emirates-flydubai partnership enabled more than 2.5 million passengers to enjoy seamless connectivity across 243 destinations in 103 countries via Dubai. Additionally, the airline signed 11 new interline agreements, expanding its partner portfolio to 42, and provided access to over 300 destinations alongside its three codeshare agreements with Air Canada, Emirates, and United Airlines.
Workforce numbers increased 11 percent to 6,763 employees. flydubai also launched an Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme and Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Apprenticeship to strengthen in-house capabilities.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Travel demand remains healthy, and our business fundamentals are strong. We plan to take delivery of 12 aircraft, including seven Boeing 737 MAX 9 and five Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, supporting Business Class growth, operational efficiency, and sustainability commitments.”
