Dubai’s low-cost carrier flydubai will begin offering complimentary meals and in-flight entertainment for all Economy Class passengers starting November 1, 2025, in a move that underscores the airline’s evolution from a traditional low-cost carrier to a value-focused airline.
The announcement marks a milestone in flydubai’s growth trajectory as it continues to expand its fleet, network, and onboard product. The Dubai-based carrier, which operates 97 Boeing 737 aircraft, said the new inclusions are designed to “elevate the overall customer experience” and responding to dynamic market needs.
Free Meals and Entertainment Across the Network
Under the new offering, all Economy passengers will receive a complimentary meal or snack, depending on flight duration, along with a selection of hot and cold beverages. The initiative will apply across flydubai’s network of over 135 destinations. flydubai currently offers regional menus featuring authentic local dishes from African, European, Indian, Middle Eastern, Russian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Passengers will also gain free access to the airline’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which features over 1,000 hours of content across multiple languages — including Hollywood, Arabic, Bollywood, and Asian films, TV series from platforms such as HBO Max and BBC Kids, as well as music, podcasts, and e-magazines.
Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith described the change as an “important milestone in Flydubai’s journey,” adding:
“Redefining the Economy Class offering across all flights represents a significant evolution in our business model, offering customers a more elevated and convenient travel journey. Our focus remains on investing in enhancing our customer experience and delivering added value across every touchpoint through services, technologies and product development. ”
A Strategic Evolution
Since its launch in 2009, flydubai has operated on a low-cost model emphasizing efficiency and unbundled fares. However, the airline has progressively blurred the boundaries between low-cost and full-service, introducing a Business Class cabin, seatback screens on newer aircraft, and extensive connectivity with Emirates.
The inclusion of meals and entertainment for all economy passengers formalizes that shift, aligning flydubai with the “value airline” model of carriers that maintain cost efficiency while delivering a fuller onboard experience.
Positioning for Growth
The move comes as flydubai prepares to take delivery of additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and gears up for the introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2027, which will open longer routes and expand its service profile.
While the airline said fare structures will be adjusted to reflect the new inclusions, it emphasized that tickets will remain competitively priced.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said:
“By including meals and inflight entertainment in every ticket, we’re modifying the Economy Class fare structure and ensuring passengers get more value, while remaining competitive.”
With this move, flydubai is shifting from competing purely on price to competing on value – a natural progression for a carrier that already straddles the space between budget and full-service models. By bundling meals and entertainment into its fares, the airline is betting that enhanced customer satisfaction and brand loyalty will outweigh the incremental cost of service delivery.
The rollout will begin on November 1, 2025, marking the start of a new chapter in flydubai’s positioning within the Gulf aviation landscape.
Image courtesy of flydubai
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