Dubai remains one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs, but passengers flying with several overseas airlines are facing continued disruption as carriers adjust their schedules amid regional security concerns. As of October 30, 2026, 16 international airlines have suspended, cancelled or postponed services to Dubai, with some planning to return in the coming weeks while others have pushed their restart dates into 2027.
Sixteen international airlines have suspended or delayed Dubai flights. Check the affected carriers, expected return dates and travel advice for passengers.
The situation varies from airline to airline. Some suspensions are temporary, while others affect much of the upcoming winter travel season. Travellers should check their individual bookings carefully before heading to the airport.
Which 16 Airlines Have Suspended Dubai Flights?
The affected airlines include major European, Asian and North American carriers. Their suspension periods and planned return dates differ, depending on each airline’s operational decisions and assessment of the regional situation.
Here is an overview of the 16 airlines and their currently announced Dubai flight plans.
1. Air France
Air France has extended the suspension of its Dubai services through October 31, 2026. The airline has repeatedly reviewed its operating plans as regional conditions have changed.
Passengers booked on affected flights should check for further updates, as the suspension period may be extended or revised.
2. British Airways
British Airways has paused its Dubai flights through November 3, 2026. The airline has indicated that it plans to restart the route with one daily service when operations resume.
Travellers should confirm their flight details before making airport arrangements.
3. Lufthansa
German carrier Lufthansa has postponed its return to Dubai until November 25, 2026.
The airline is planning five weekly flights from Frankfurt and another five weekly services from Munich. Its phased return will provide additional travel options for passengers flying between Germany and the UAE.
4. SWISS
SWISS, part of Lufthansa Group, has also delayed its Dubai services until November 25.
The airline is expected to resume its Zurich-Dubai connection as part of the group’s revised operating schedule.
5. Eurowings
Eurowings has postponed its Dubai return until November 25, 2026. The airline plans to restore connections from several German cities, including Berlin, as part of its winter schedule.
Passengers should check the latest information for their departure city, as services may return on different dates.
6. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has cancelled its SQ494 and SQ495 services between Singapore and Dubai until December 1, 2026.
The airline has also indicated that other flights may be affected. Passengers travelling between the two destinations should check their flight numbers and booking status rather than assume that all services are operating normally.
7. Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines has postponed its Dubai services until December 12, 2026.
The airline is planning to restore its Vienna-Dubai route with five weekly flights. The expected return will provide another European connection to the UAE ahead of the festive travel period.
8. Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has cancelled its Dubai flights through January 31, 2027.
The extended suspension affects passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Dubai. The airline has provided flexible ticket arrangements for affected customers, including options to rebook, reroute or request refunds, subject to its applicable conditions.
9. KLM
Dutch airline KLM has suspended its Amsterdam-Dubai services until March 27, 2027.
The extended cancellation covers a significant part of the winter travel season. Passengers with bookings during this period should contact the airline to explore alternative travel arrangements.
10. United Airlines
United Airlines has postponed the return of its direct Newark-Dubai service until March 2027.
The airline is offering full refunds for eligible flights scheduled between October 24, 2026, and March 27, 2027. Travellers should review the conditions attached to their tickets and contact the airline for assistance.
11. Air Canada
Air Canada has extended the cancellation of its Dubai flights until the end of March 2027.
The decision means passengers planning to travel between Canada and Dubai will need to consider alternative routes or airlines during the affected period.
12. Korean Air
Korean Air has suspended its Seoul Incheon-Dubai route until further notice.
Unlike airlines that have announced specific restart dates, the carrier has not confirmed when the direct connection will return. Passengers should monitor official airline updates for any changes.
13. Finnair
Finnair has removed its seasonal Helsinki-Dubai service from its winter 2026–27 schedule.
The Finnish airline is not currently planning to operate the seasonal route during this period. Travellers looking for connections between Finland and Dubai may need to consider alternative carriers or connecting routes.
14. Luxair
Luxembourg-based Luxair has postponed the launch of its planned Dubai service until February 2027 at the earliest.
This is a delayed route launch rather than a suspension of an established service. The revised timeline means passengers waiting for the new connection will have to wait for further confirmation from the airline.
15. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic does not currently plan to return to Dubai before 2027.
The airline had suspended its seasonal London Heathrow-Dubai service, and its latest plans indicate that the route will remain absent from its schedule for the rest of 2026.
16. Wizz Air
Wizz Air has postponed its Dubai services, with flights currently expected to resume from March 28, 2027.
The planned return date means passengers will have fewer options through the airline during the winter season. Travellers should check the carrier’s booking system for the latest availability.
When Are Airlines Expected to Resume Dubai Flights?
The announced return dates are spread across several months, with some airlines planning to restart services before the end of 2026 and others remaining absent until 2027.
The following overview brings the expected timelines together:
| Airline | Current announced position |
|---|---|
| Air France | Suspended through October 31, 2026 |
| British Airways | Suspended through November 3, 2026 |
| Lufthansa | Expected return November 25, 2026 |
| SWISS | Expected return November 25, 2026 |
| Eurowings | Expected return November 25, 2026 |
| Singapore Airlines | Selected Dubai flights cancelled until December 1, 2026 |
| Austrian Airlines | Expected return December 12, 2026 |
| Cathay Pacific | Suspended through January 31, 2027 |
| Luxair | Planned launch February 2027 at the earliest |
| United Airlines | Expected return March 2027 |
| KLM | Suspended through March 27, 2027 |
| Air Canada | Suspended until the end of March 2027 |
| Finnair | Seasonal winter 2026–27 service dropped |
| Virgin Atlantic | No return planned before 2027 |
| Korean Air | Suspended until further notice |
| Wizz Air | Expected return March 28, 2027 |
These dates are subject to change and should not be treated as guaranteed restart dates.
Is Dubai International Airport Still Operating?
Yes. Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains operational, and the suspension of services by these 16 international carriers does not mean that the airport is closed.
Dubai-based airlines Emirates and flydubai continue to operate extensive networks, providing connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Other international carriers are also operating services to Dubai, although schedules and frequencies may vary. The impact is therefore concentrated among particular airlines and routes rather than affecting every flight into the emirate.
Travellers should distinguish between an airline suspending its own Dubai route and the airport itself being unable to receive flights.
Why Are Airlines Suspending Flights to Dubai?
The continuing disruption is linked to regional security concerns and changing airspace conditions.
Airlines regularly assess flight paths, operational risks, insurance requirements and the safety of passengers and crew. When conditions change, carriers may decide to cancel individual services, suspend entire routes or postpone the launch of planned connections.
Different airlines can reach different decisions, which explains why some carriers continue operating while others have extended their suspensions into 2027.
The situation remains dynamic, and announced schedules can change as airlines review their operations.
What Should Dubai Travellers Do Before Booking a Flight?
Passengers planning international travel should take extra care when booking flights with an airline affected by the current suspensions.
Here are some important steps to follow:
- Check your flight status: Use the airline’s official website or mobile application for the latest departure information.
- Review your booking: Confirm whether your specific flight is operating, rather than relying only on the airline’s general route announcements.
- Understand refund options: If your flight is cancelled, check whether you qualify for a refund, free rebooking or an alternative route.
- Contact your booking provider: Passengers who booked through travel agencies or online platforms should contact the provider for assistance.
- Check connecting flights: If your journey involves a stopover, confirm that every section of the itinerary remains valid.
- Avoid last-minute airport visits: Do not travel to the airport without confirming your flight’s status.
Passengers should also keep their booking confirmations and any relevant cancellation notifications until their travel arrangements have been resolved.
Dubai’s International Connectivity Continues Despite Flight Disruptions
The suspension of services by 16 international airlines highlights the challenges facing global aviation as carriers respond to regional developments. However, Dubai continues to maintain connections through its home-based airlines and other international operators.
For passengers, the most important point is that flight availability depends on the airline, destination and travel date. While some routes are expected to return in November and December, others may remain suspended well into 2027.
Anyone planning to travel to or from Dubai should verify their itinerary directly with the operating airline before departure and follow the latest travel advisories.
As airlines continue to reassess their schedules, further changes to the Dubai flight network remain possible.
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