Flydubai to Launch Cargo-In-Cabin Flights to Malé Amid Supply Chain Strain

Flydubai is set to commence a series of cargo flights from Dubai to Malé starting 16 April, Thursday, marking the first time the airline will operate cargo-in-cabin services to Velana International Airport.

The flights have been approved by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, according to Mohamed Firaq, managing director of Ace Aviation Services Maldives, the airline’s local agent. Approval was granted on Sunday.

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Firaq said the initiative is particularly significant amid current regional challenges, referring to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and welcomed the move by the airline to support cargo movement during this period.

According to the flight schedule, the cargo-in-cabin operations will continue until 29 April.

Cargo-in-cabin flights involve transporting freight inside the passenger cabin, including on seats and in overhead compartments, in order to maximise available capacity. The method gained wider use during the Covid-19 pandemic for transporting urgent medical supplies and essential goods. The introduction of the service is expected to help ease import challenges faced by the Maldives amid ongoing disruptions in regional logistics and aviation routes.