Flydubai has reported its strongest annual financial results to date, posting a profit before tax of Dh2.2 billion ($591 million) for the year ending 31 December 2025, as the Dubai-based carrier expanded its operations and capitalised on sustained travel demand.
Total revenue rose 6 per cent year-on-year to Dh13.6 billion ($3.7 billion), compared with Dh12.8 billion in 2024. Profit after tax reached Dh1.9 billion ($531 million), reflecting continued investment in product enhancements, technology upgrades and route development.
Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the airline’s fifth consecutive year of profitability highlighted a disciplined strategy and operational resilience. He added that the carrier had benefited from Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub while maintaining efficiency amid rising demand.
Passenger numbers climbed to a record 15.7 million in 2025, driven by increased flight frequencies and the launch of new routes. Business Class demand rose 19 per cent, while regional growth was strongest in the Middle East, followed by Africa and Europe. Overall capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, increased 6 per cent, with the airline operating more than 126,000 flights during the year.
Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said the results underscored the resilience of the airline’s business model despite geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain challenges and higher maintenance costs. He noted that flydubai now connects 140 airports with Dubai, supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
During 2025, the carrier added nine destinations to its network, including Riga, Vilnius, Al Alamein and Nairobi, and resumed services to Chișinău, Damascus and Tabriz. The fleet grew to 97 aircraft following the delivery of 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft were retrofitted, bringing the total number of upgraded planes to 25.
At the Dubai Airshow, flydubai placed major aircraft orders, including 150 Airbus A321neo jets and 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, strengthening its long-term fleet strategy.
Operationally, the airline reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of Dh4.0 billion. Fuel accounted for 25 per cent of operating costs. On-time performance improved by 6 per cent compared with the previous year, and cash and bank balances reached Dh5.6 billion.
Customer experience upgrades included complimentary inflight entertainment and meals in Economy Class. The airline also announced plans to introduce high-speed Starlink connectivity from 2026.
Looking ahead, Al Ghaith said flydubai will continue to focus on digital innovation, artificial intelligence technologies and workforce development as it positions itself for further growth. He added that travel demand remains strong and the airline’s fundamentals are solid.
