flydubai’s purpose-built Aircraft Maintenance Centre (AMC) at Dubai South is nearing construction completion, with the multimillion-dollar facility scheduled to be finalised by the end of 2026 and expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027.

The airline’s senior executive leadership, including Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, recently inspected the site at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) to review construction progress and assess preparations for the next phase of development.

The 32,600-square-metre facility, which broke ground in 2025, represents a $190 million investment in strengthening flydubai’s maintenance capabilities and supporting its long-term operational growth. Following construction, the centre will undergo systems integration, technical commissioning and operational readiness procedures before opening.

Designed to support the airline’s expanding fleet, the centre will feature dedicated heavy maintenance hangars, specialised engineering workshops, materials management warehouses and administrative facilities. Once operational, it is expected to employ 400 skilled technical professionals.

Bringing aircraft maintenance operations in-house is intended to improve turnaround times, increase fleet availability, strengthen quality control and provide greater operational flexibility as flydubai expands its network and fleet.

Al Ghaith said the project marked a significant milestone in the airline’s pursuit of operational self-sufficiency and long-term capability development. He added that dedicated maintenance infrastructure would enhance resilience and efficiency as the airline’s operations continue to grow.

The investment also aligns with flydubai’s long-term strategy for Dubai World Central (DWC) and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading global centre for aviation, trade and logistics.

The facility’s location adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to strengthen its role within Dubai South’s wider aviation ecosystem, supporting the development of integrated aviation infrastructure.

flydubai currently serves more than 125 destinations and has over 300 aircraft on order. The airline expects to receive 11 Boeing 737 aircraft in 2026, bringing its fleet to 100. Deliveries of 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are scheduled to begin in early 2028.

The maintenance centre will also support aviation workforce development through the airline’s existing Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence (AMEL) programme, helping cultivate technical talent for Dubai’s growing aviation sector.

As flydubai prepares for further fleet and network expansion, the project is expected to play a central role in strengthening its engineering capacity and supporting Dubai’s ambitions to become a global aviation and logistics hub. -TradeArabia News Service