UAE's state-owned airline flydubai has announced its plans to build a maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facility in Dubai South.

This new facility is estimated to cost $190m.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Dubai South, Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, and flydubai officials attended the signing ceremony for this project.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South CEO Khalifa Al Zaffin said: “flydubai’s new facility in Dubai South reflects our commitment to enhancing the ecosystem that contributes to the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry.

“This partnership reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub and reinforces our shared vision of providing world-class aviation services to our partners.”

Construction work on the new hangar and workshop is set to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.

flydubai COO Mick Hills noted that the facility will help cut operational costs once operational.

Hills said: “Having our own in-country MRO facility will ensure a quicker turnaround of our fleet maintenance while adhering to the highest quality standards.

“This increased level of control will result in reduced downtime as maintenance tasks can be efficiently planned and executed, minimising any disruption to our flight schedules in the future and enhancing overall operational reliability.”