If you were hoping to hop on a flight to Dubai with one of your favourite international airlines, you might need a plan B. Seven major airlines have decided to hold off on returning to Dubai International Airport (DXB) until 2027. With the best interests in mind for the safety all passengers, crew and staff these decisions come as a consequence of the ongoing region conflict in the Middle East. Keep reading for all the important details you need to know before booking your flight into town. However, please note that with the expectation of the following airlines mentioned in this article, the Dubai International Airport is operational as normal.
Who’s Still Flying To Dubai?
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths says many foreign-based airlines have found it hard to get the insurance they need to fly back to the region. However, most of the big long-haul airlines plan to come back from the end of October as part of their winter schedules.
But rest assured, plenty of options remain available for travelling in and out of Dubai. Emirates and flydubai are still flying all over the world. Regional airlines like flynas, Qatar Airways, Saudia and Gulf Air have also resumed flights to DXB. IndiGo, Air India and Turkish Airlines are still operating routes to Dubai too.
1. Air Canada: Back in March 2027
Air Canada won’t be flying to Dubai until the end of March 2027, according to its latest travel update. It was meant to return in January as part of its winter schedule, but that’s now been pushed back.
If you were due to fly with them, the airline has made things flexible. You can rebook for a later date with no extra fees, switch to another destination with no extra fees, or cancel and get credit towards your next Air Canada trip.
2. Cathay Pacific: Back in January 2027
Cathay Pacific has cancelled all its Dubai flights up to and including Sunday January 31. The Hong Kong-based airline was originally due back at the end of November, but has pushed its return back once again. It won’t return to Riyadh until Sunday January 31 either.
If you’ve already booked, flexible ticket conditions mean you can rebook, reroute or get a refund.
3. Finnair: Winter Flights Are Off
Finland’s flag carrier has suspended its Helsinki to Dubai flights for the 2026/27 winter season. It was due back between October 25 2026 and March 27 2027, but has extended its suspension.
Finnair usually runs this as a seasonal route, so the extension means we’re unlikely to see it back in Dubai until at least October 2027.
4. Luxair: Back in February 2027 (at the Earliest)
Luxembourg’s national airline has postponed its Dubai relaunch, with flights now set to resume in February 2027 at the earliest. It was one of several overseas airlines expected back in October 2026, but those plans are on hold.
Luxair was also planning to launch flights to Abu Dhabi, and that’s now expected in late 2027 instead.
5. United Airlines: Back in March 2027
United first suspended its Dubai operations back in February 2026. It now plans to restart nonstop flights between Newark and Dubai in March 2027.
United is offering refunds for flights that were originally scheduled between October 24 2026 and March 27 2027.
6. Virgin Atlantic: Back for Winter 2027
Virgin Atlantic usually runs a seasonal route between London Heathrow and Dubai, but it was paused earlier this year. According to the airline’s website, the daily service will return for the 2027 winter season.
7. Wizz Air: Back in March 2027
Budget favourite Wizz Air won’t be returning to Dubai in 2026. The Hungarian-based airline has scrapped its plans to restart DXB flights this winter and is now looking at March 28, 2027.
Before you book any flight to Dubai, double-check your airline’s latest travel updates so you know exactly when they’re flying again, and safe travels!
