15-07-2025
Ghaith Al Ghaith Honoured for Leadership at Prestigious Global Airline Awards
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, was named the recipient of the "Executive Leadership for the Middle East & Africa" award at the 2025 Airline Strategy Awards held in London.
The annual awards, now in their 21st year, are known for recognising the world's top airline leaders and innovative strategies. Organised by FlightGlobal in partnership with Korn Ferry, winners are selected by a panel of seasoned experts from the aviation industry.
Ghaith Al Ghaith's recognition comes as a result of his visionary leadership and dedication to transforming regional aviation. Since founding flydubai in 2008, he has grown the airline into a major player, connecting more than 135 destinations across 58 countries — many of which were previously underserved or lacked direct air links to Dubai.
Under his guidance, flydubai has played a major role in supporting Dubai's goal of becoming a global hub for trade, tourism, and travel. Al Ghaith thanked his team and acknowledged the broader support that made this possible:
'It's an honour to accept this award on behalf of the entire flydubai team. This achievement reflects not only our collective efforts but also the forward-looking vision and infrastructure of Dubai and the UAE, which have paved the way for our success.'
He added,
'Since day one, our goal has been to connect markets and support free movement of people and goods. As we expand our fleet, network, and workforce, I'm proud of what we've achieved and excited for what lies ahead.'
The award also comes on the heels of flydubai's record-breaking performance in 2024, where the airline earned AED 2.5 billion in profit on revenues of AED 12.8 billion. With 15.4 million passengers flown — an 11% increase from 2023 — the airline continues to grow despite global challenges like supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions.
Al Ghaith has also placed strong emphasis on building talent. The airline now boasts a workforce from over 140 nationalities and has invested heavily in training and infrastructure. Highlights include the launch of flydubai's Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme, a new Flight Training Centre, and the upcoming Aircraft Maintenance Centre.
His leadership not only reflects operational excellence but also a commitment to shaping the future of aviation in the Middle East and Africa.
