TRIP REPORT: Flydubai, Belgrade - Dubai and back

TRIP REPORT

Written by Siniša

Belgrade to Dubai and back on Flydubai + bonus go around

A6-FMD after landing in Dubai

A totally uneventful night flight from Belgrade to Dubai on May 5 (FZ 1750) initially seemed like it would leave today’s audience without a report until the final seconds, when things took a turn. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (A6-FMD), instead of touching down, was overflying and quite literally devouring lines of the longer Dubai airport’s 30L runway. This resulted in a go-around maneuver moments later.

Although such maneuvers are routine, from a passenger's perspective, it was far from a pleasant experience. Hearing the engines roar as power increased followed by an immediate lift instead of the expected touchdown was unsettling. I had previously experienced two rejected take-offs (once on JU and once on AZ), and from personal experience, I find a go-around far more unnerving.

Roughly two minutes later, the plane reached an altitude of 1,500 meters, at which point the captain made an announcement explaining what had happened. The explanation was mechanically cold, just a brief sentence with no apology for the inconvenience. He simply stated that the plane had performed a go-around and that we were returning for landing, as if every passenger were an aviation expert who naturally understood the term. Fortunately, none of the passengers appeared distressed or panicked, likely because most were still drowsy after the long night flight.

For the next 20 minutes, our plane circled over the misty Dubai districts of Deira, Dubai Festival City, and the desert before positioning itself for a second landing attempt. This time, the landing was successful, though rough enough that I momentarily feared the landing gear might collapse upon impact.

From Dubai to Dubai

Like anyone else interested in aviation, I was eager to check the flight data for this journey on FR24 as soon after we landed. To my surprise, I found that a crucial 18 minutes of the flight were missing. Given my trust in the FR24’s professionalism having frequently seen go-arounds and other unusual moments recorded on YouTube I was in disbelief. Flight data is typically accessible, so the omission seemed intentional, possibly due to an agreement between the airline and the FR24 operator to avoid tarnishing the airline’s reputation with documentation of such incidents. Ironically, the reputation of both entities might suffer even more once the truth reaches the public.

Screenshot of the approach playback with 18 minutes cutout

GPS data screenshot. Rows 867 and 868 showing 18 minutes void

This trip was my first experience with Flydubai. The convenience of a direct flight won out over my preferred Qatar Airways, whose option required a lengthy six-hour layover in Doha, arriving at DXB in the middle of the night. The return situation was similar.

I booked my ticket just two days before the flight for 411 euros round-trip in the value fare, which included baggage and a meal option. I consider that a fair price.

The booking process with Flydubai was fast, easy, and transparent. However, after purchasing the ticket and confirming the flight, I received a staggering 16 follow-up emails from FZ with offers, bids, or notifications - quite excessive! On top of that, there were WhatsApp messages.

Regarding the planes: The interior was okay, seat pitch was decent, and there was a USB port under the touch screen. The in-flight entertainment system was fast and responsive (BYO headphones), but the free content selection was poor, and the paid program felt symbolic and outdated. The animated safety demonstration played on the screen was a nice touch.

Some images of animated and cool safety demonstration

Another cool feature in the flight tracking option is the drop-down menu, which provides information about places or sites being overflown at that moment

The prepaid meal was a disappointment (quality wise) with two choices (meat or vegetarian), served on a tiny tray with heavily spiced dressing. The small plastic cutlery seemed better suited for children’s hands than adults. A small pack of water was provided, followed by coffee or tea, but only on the BEG-DXB leg.

The onboard menu was hardly worth calling food just a choice of soda, chips, and two chocolate bars. Fewer than a dozen different snack items.

The estimated load factor was around 75-80% on the BEG-DXB segment, with quite a few empty seats in economy including the seat next to me giving me more comfort, while business class was fully booked including three children. Considering that business class was empty two days earlier, I assume the majority of seats were filled after bidding. On the way to Dubai, the first bid was 1,050 euros one way, while the second was discounted to 650. Seat only no lounge or fast-track access

Passenger structure was roughly half Serbian and half foreign travelers, with an even split between origin-destination passengers and transfers.

On the DXB-BEG leg (FZ 1749 on May 11), the load factor was 100%, with half of the passengers being Serbian, a large group of Chinese travelers, and a notable number of Asian labor workers. First bid call for business class was priced US$1,050 reduced to $550 in the second.

FR24 screenshots before take off from Dubai and after landing to BEG

I checked in online for both flights. While baggage drop at BEG was quick, at DXB it took around 20 minutes, as only two out of more than a dozen counters were open. At Terminal 3, Emirates has installed self-service baggage drop counters, but unfortunately, they do not accept Flydubai passengers.

As the signage suggests: self service baggage drop at Dubai’s T3

It’s worth noting that immigration checks on both arrival and departure at DXB were exceptionally smooth, thanks to automated self-service counters. The same system functioned flawlessly at BEG, both for departures and arrivals, significantly speeding up passport control.

About DXB Terminal 3

I arrived early to avoid traffic jams in Dubai, as the ride from Dubai Marina can take some time. I ordered a taxi and the roughly 40 km ride cost around 24 Euros (AED 100 ). Terminal 3 can also be reached via the Red Metro Line (the airport station is to the left in the image below). Ticket prices vary depending on the city area but won’t exceed AED 7.50, which is approximately 1.80 euros.

My airport ride

Terminal 3 is dedicated to Emirates flights and select Flydubai routes, including Belgrade. It is nice, spacious, well air-conditioned to offset the scorching 40+ degrees outside, and authorities have heavily invested in minimizing crowds which is excellent. However, it somehow doesn’t shine as it did a couple of years ago. That’s just my personal impression, probably influenced by using Hamad International Airport in Doha more often for transfers, leading to comparisons between the two.

Terminal 3 images

My take on Flydubai

I think Flydubai has done a good job developing the market between Dubai and Belgrade, targeting a diverse range of customers - tourists, residents, and transfer passengers, while juggling between low-cost, hybrid, and legacy carrier models. However, I’m afraid this approach carries the risk of losing certain passenger categories unless adjustments are made or if Emirates steps in, which seems about due.

Hoping that the bird in background will take place of the one ready for boarding 

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