flydubai turns to AI-driven technology to sharpen ground operations

Dubai-based airline flydubai has selected aviation technology provider ZestIoT to digitise aircraft turnaround operations across its network, starting at Dubai International Airport.

The airline will deploy ZestIoT’s Digital Turnaround Platform, a system designed to provide real-time visibility of ground operations while enabling collaboration supported by artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

Supporting flydubai’s expanding network

The platform is intended to support faster and more informed operational decisions, with a focus on improving turnaround efficiency and supporting on-time departures.

By digitising turnaround processes, flydubai aims to strengthen operational execution and predictability as it continues to expand its route network. The airline said the technology will help connect multiple operational data sources, allowing teams to identify potential disruptions earlier and work more closely across functions during the day of operations.

The move aligns with flydubai’s broader focus on innovation and delivering a more convenient and consistent travel experience for passengers.

Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services and Cargo at flydubai, said: “As we steadily expand our operations, real-time visibility and optimised performance are essential to further improving connectivity for our passengers across our growing network. By adopting the latest digital solutions, we look forward to building on our successful partnership with ZestIoT as we further enhance our operational efficiency.”

Scaling operations at Dubai hub

flydubai currently operates a network of more than 135 destinations across 58 countries. Its fleet comprises 97 Boeing 737 aircraft, supporting a schedule that includes an average of 370 flights each day from Dubai International.

The airline’s growth has made efficient ground handling and reliable turnaround performance increasingly important to maintaining schedule integrity at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

Amit Sukhija, Chief Executive Officer at ZestIoT, said the partnership reflects a more decisive approach to adopting advanced turnaround management technology within the airline sector. “ZestIoT is excited to partner with flydubai on this significant step forward. As an agile airline, flydubai is leading the way in adopting state-of-the-art turnaround management technology to transform its operations for the future,” he said.

He added that the platform’s focus on AI-driven, prediction-based exceptions management and real-time collaboration would help operational teams take smarter decisions and deliver measurable improvements.

The collaboration reinforces ZestIoT’s role as a technology partner to airlines and airports seeking to modernise turnaround management, improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall passenger experience as traffic levels and network complexity continue to grow.