flydubai breaks ground on high-tech aircraft maintenance centre at Dubai South

Dubai: Dubai-based airline flydubai has officially commenced construction on its first dedicated Aircraft Maintenance Centre, a landmark facility designed to support the carrier’s rapidly expanding fleet and operational needs.

Located at Dubai South, the multimillion-dollar project is scheduled for completion in the final quarter of 2026.

Spanning an area of 32,600 square metres, the new facility will include a fully equipped aircraft hangar, advanced support workshops, and modern office buildings.

The development marks a major investment in flydubai’s internal capabilities, enabling the airline to perform more maintenance activities in-house. This is expected to significantly reduce aircraft downtime and increase turnaround speed as the airline grows.

“This investment marks a significant milestone for flydubai,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, during the ceremony. “The new Aircraft Maintenance Centre will play a key role in the next phase of our growth, supporting increased maintenance needs as we expand our fleet. It also reaffirms our long-term commitment to innovation, efficiency, and Dubai’s leadership in aviation excellence.”

The Aircraft Maintenance Centre will be strategically located near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is set to become the world’s largest airport once completed. Its placement within Dubai South — an integrated aviation and logistics hub — gives flydubai direct access to one of the most advanced aerospace ecosystems in the region.

The facility was first announced during the 2023 Dubai Airshow through an agreement with the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), which offers world-class infrastructure and investment opportunities for global aerospace players.

The groundbreaking event was attended by top officials including Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, who praised the project as a milestone in Dubai’s continued rise as a global aviation powerhouse.

“We are proud to witness the launch of flydubai’s new maintenance centre — a testament to the airline’s growth and operational advancement,” said Al Zaffin. “This facility reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting aviation through state-of-the-art infrastructure and strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading global hub.”

The new centre is designed to accommodate over 600 technical professionals, including engineers and specialists working across Line Maintenance, Technical Services, Materials Management, and Workshop Operations. This growing team will be responsible for ensuring the safety, compliance, and airworthiness of flydubai’s expanding fleet.

flydubai has partnered with Group AMANA, a leading regional firm specialising in industrial and commercial facility construction, to deliver a facility built to the highest international aviation standards.

As flydubai continues to scale its operations since its launch in 2009, this facility represents a bold step toward greater autonomy in maintenance operations, aligning with Dubai’s vision to lead in aviation, logistics, and business innovation.

The new Aircraft Maintenance Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the airline’s long-term strategic growth.