Dubai: flydubai has delivered a robust financial performance for its financial year ending 31st December 2025, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED2.2 billion (US$591 million). Total revenue reached AED13.6 billion (US$3.7 billion), representing an increase of 6 percent compared to AED12.8 billion (US$3.5 billion) in 2024. flydubai's profit after tax stood at AED1.9 billion (US$531 million), reflecting the strength of its strategic network expansion, continued investment in innovation, enhancements to its customer experience, and a sustained commitment to serving underserved markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, remarked on the airline's achievements, noting that these align closely with Dubai's broader economic vision, where aviation remains central to the city's growth strategy. The airline's fifth consecutive year of profitability underscores its disciplined strategy and operational resilience. flydubai leveraged Dubai's status as a leading global aviation hub to capture strong passenger demand, maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and strategic investments in its fleet, technology, and talent development.
The airline maintained a solid EBITDA of AED4.0 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2025, with fuel costs accounting for 25 percent of total operating expenses. Closing cash and bank balances, including pre-delivery payments, totaled AED5.6 billion (US$1.5 billion). Enhancing operational efficiency remained a priority, with on-time departure performance improving by 6 percent compared to 2024.
flydubai carried a record 15.7 million passengers in 2025, driven by demand for business and leisure travel. Business Class demand rose by 19 percent compared to 2024. Increased frequencies and network extensions supported passenger growth, with the Middle East recording a 17 percent increase, followed by Africa and Europe at 12 percent each.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, stated that the airline's strong financial performance reflects the resilience of its business model and the agility of its workforce. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain constraints, and rising maintenance costs, flydubai maintained operational efficiency and commercial momentum. The airline connected 140 airports to Dubai, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, while investing in technology, innovation, and customer experience.
In 2025, flydubai ramped up operations to meet increasing travel demand, operating 126,604 flights and recording over 400 departures in a single day during peak periods. Strategic route expansion added nine new destinations, growing its network to 140 destinations in 58 countries. Network capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), increased by 6 percent, with Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) up 6 percent and Passenger Yield improving by 3 percent compared to 2024.
The airline expanded its fleet with 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, totaling 97 aircraft with an average age of 5.5 years. Three Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft were retired. flydubai completed a retrofit program, updating eight Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft, bringing the total retrofitted aircraft to 25.
At the Dubai Airshow, flydubai announced new aircraft orders, including 150 Airbus A321neos and 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline also signed an agreement to introduce complimentary, high-speed Starlink inflight connectivity from 2026.
A strategic partnership with Emirates enabled over 2.5 million passengers to enjoy seamless connectivity across a joint network of 243 destinations in 103 countries. The carrier signed 11 new interline agreements, expanding its portfolio to 42 partners and offering access to more than 300 destinations, alongside codeshare agreements with Air Canada, Emirates, and United Airlines.
flydubai's recruitment drive increased its workforce by 11 percent, totaling 6,763 employees. The airline launched an Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme and Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Apprenticeship to bolster in-house capabilities.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ghaith Al Ghaith noted that demand for travel remains strong. flydubai expects to take delivery of 12 aircraft, comprising seven Boeing 737 MAX 9 and five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, supporting growth ambitions and sustainability commitments.