flydubai has expanded its dedicated cargo network to Kochi with the introduction of a weekly Boeing 737-800 freighter service, strengthening freight connectivity between the UAE and southern India. The move marks another step in the airline’s strategy to increase cargo capacity beyond the space available in its passenger aircraft.

Launched on 25 October, the service connects Dubai with Cochin International Airport, offering exporters and freight forwarders an additional dedicated air freight option. Kochi serves as a major cargo gateway for Kerala, handling approximately 60% of the state’s air freight, according to local reports. The new route highlights flydubai’s plans to utilise its growing freighter capacity across regional markets. On 1 October, the airline commenced dedicated cargo operations with three Boeing 737-800 freighters secured through a wet-lease agreement with Dubai-based SolitAir. Each aircraft offers a cargo payload of up to 23 tonnes per flight, complementing the belly-hold capacity of flydubai’s existing fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.

Wet-Lease Strategy Accelerates Cargo Expansion

By opting for a wet-lease arrangement, flydubai can access dedicated freighter capacity without purchasing aircraft outright. Under the agreement, SolitAir supplies the aircraft and operational support, while flydubai focuses on developing, marketing and expanding its cargo services. This approach enables the airline to establish scheduled and charter freight operations while assessing market demand before making long-term fleet investment decisions.

The three freighters provide additional main-deck cargo capacity, supporting shipments that require specialised handling or specific transportation conditions. These include pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, aerospace components, live animals and dangerous goods. Operating dedicated freighters also allows greater flexibility in managing cargo schedules and capacity compared with relying solely on passenger aircraft.

Looking ahead, flydubai has indicated that it will assess passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029. This suggests that its current freighter deployment represents an initial stage in a broader cargo development strategy. The airline also expects to strengthen its belly-hold cargo capacity through the planned introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Kochi Strengthens UAE–India Freight Connectivity

The launch comes as Cochin International Airport continues to develop its cargo handling infrastructure. The airport has an annual handling capacity of up to 100,000 tonnes for imports and 125,000 tonnes for exports, providing infrastructure to support growing international freight movements.

For flydubai, the success of the Kochi service will depend on cargo demand, capacity utilisation and the potential to introduce additional frequencies. The new connection strengthens the airline’s presence in the Indian cargo market while creating opportunities to expand scheduled freight services and charter operations across its wider network.

With dedicated freighters complementing its passenger fleet, flydubai is positioning itself to offer greater cargo flexibility and improve freight connectivity between the UAE and key regional markets.