Flydubai (finally) stops being 'low-cost': no more having to pay to watch TV or eat on board

Founded in 2008 by the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates as the low-cost, younger sister of Emirates, in the years Flydubai has been gradually moving away from the low-cost model, introducing more and more 'ingredients' typical of full service companies.

First a Business Class (which now exists with lie-flat seats and should soon see the introduction of single suites), a lounge at Dubai Airport Terminal 2 and an in-flight entertainment system with screens at every seat.

Nevertheless, still features an element typical of low-cost airlines: food and beverages available for a fee to those flying in Economy and purchasing the 'Lite' fare', which is the so-called entrance one. Access to IFE's video programs (movies, TV series) is also charged for those who purchase the 'Lite'.

Beginning in November, however, the Emirates carrier announced that meals (including drinks) and viewing of IFE content will be available free of charge to all Economy passengers, regardless of the fare purchased.

"This announcement comes at the right time as we prepare to expand our network, further grow our fleet, and welcome more passengers on board year after year. By including in-flight meals and entertainment in every ticket, we are changing the fare structure of Economy Class and providing passengers with added value while maintaining our competitiveness," COO Hamad Obaidalla explained in a company note.

In the Italian market, in Winter 2025-2026 Flydubai will connect Dubai and Milan-Bergamo Orio al Serio up to two times a day and Naples once a day, while Catania e Pisa Will be served three times a week. All flights will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 equipped in two classes, with 10 seats in Business (with lie-flat seats) and 156 in Economy.

The Emirates carrier's fleet consists exclusively of Boeing 737s, whose number is now close to 100: there are 27 737-800s, compared with 65 MAXs and 3 MAX 9s. It received five new aircraft this year and three more are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, with a network covering 135 destinations.

Waiting for the official presentation of the suites of Business on the MAX, the carrier is investing in a retrofit program of its Boeing 737-800 fleet where lie-flat seats have been introduced in Business and new seats in Economy that offer more comfort.

All in anticipation of 2027 which, Boeing permitting, should be a momentous date for Flydubai, which will welcome into its fleet The first of 30 Boeing 787-9s ordered in November 2023.

• skywards