Dubai-based carrier flydubai has broken ground on its new multimillion-dollar aircraft maintenance centre at Dubai South, marking a strategic milestone in its expansion plans.

The 32,600 sqm facility is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2026 and will feature an aircraft hangar, support workshops, and office buildings.

The airline says the development will allow for greater control over maintenance operations and faster turnaround times for its growing fleet.

“Since launching operations in 2009, we have made great strides in enhancing connectivity and driving innovation, and the development of our new aircraft maintenance centre will play a key role in the next chapter of our growth journey,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive at flydubai.

“This is a strategic step towards supporting our growing maintenance requirement and capacity as we take delivery of more aircraft, and reaffirms our long-term commitment to innovation, operational efficiency and supporting Dubai’s position as a global leader in aviation and business excellence.”

The project reflects flydubai’s ambition to strengthen its in-house capabilities as it scales up operations and prepares to welcome over 120 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over the next decade. The airline currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and placed its fourth order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners at the 2023 Dubai Air Show.

The new facility will be located near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is expected to become the world’s largest airport upon completion. flydubai says the location in Dubai South – a growing hub for aviation and logistics – is ideal for supporting its long-term operational needs.

The airline signed an agreement with Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at the 2023 Dubai Air Show for its first purpose-built maintenance centre. MBRAH is a free-zone destination for aerospace businesses and offers investment opportunities for global airlines, MRO providers, and training institutions.

“This facility reinforces our commitment to supporting the aviation sector through state-of-the-art infrastructure and to further positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for aviation,” said His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

flydubai has partnered with Group AMANA, a regional design-build specialist, to deliver the centre to international standards. The facility will support more than 600 engineers working across line maintenance, technical services, materials, and workshop functions – all dedicated to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the airline’s expanding fleet.

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