Seventeen international airlines have suspended or delayed flights to Dubai as continued regional uncertainty forces carriers to reassess their Middle East operations, leaving passengers facing a changing schedule of cancellations, postponed resumptions and reduced services.

The disruption is affecting airlines from Europe, Asia and North America, with some carriers extending suspensions well into the autumn and winter. At the same time, a number of airlines are preparing to gradually restore Dubai connections from late October, signalling a cautious return rather than a full recovery.

17 Airlines

Suspended or Delayed Dubai Flights

Operational

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

From Oct. 25

First Returns Begin

Into 2027

Longest Announced Suspensions

Dubai Airport Remains Open

Dubai International Airport (DXB) itself remains operational, with Emirates and flydubai continuing to operate a broad network. However, international airlines are taking different approaches depending on their routes and assessments of the regional security environment. Passengers have been advised to check directly with their airline before travelling, as schedules can change at short notice.

Airline-by-Airline Status

Among the most significant changes announced so far:

Airline Status Planned Return
Cathay Pacific Dubai services cancelled After Jan. 31, 2027
Air Canada Suspension extended Into 2027
Singapore Airlines Daily Dubai service suspended Until Dec. 1
British Airways One daily flight from London initially Nov. 3
Air France Paris–Dubai flights suspended Through Oct. 24
SWISS Daily Zurich–Dubai flights Oct. 27
Lufthansa Munich and Frankfurt–Dubai flights Oct. 25 & 26
Eurowings & Austrian Additional connections Nov. & Dec.

Lufthansa Group’s Gradual Return

  • Lufthansa: Munich–Dubai from October 25 and Frankfurt–Dubai from October 26
  • SWISS: daily Zurich–Dubai flights from October 27
  • Eurowings and Austrian Airlines: additional connections in November and December

At peak operation, the group expects to rebuild a network of up to 36 weekly Dubai flights.

British Airways’ Longer-Term Approach

British Airways’ Dubai service is scheduled to return on November 3. The airline initially plans to operate one daily flight from London before increasing frequencies during the summer season.

Its Abu Dhabi services, however, are not expected to return until the winter of 2027–28.

Why the Recovery Is Uneven

The uneven recovery reflects the wider challenges facing Middle East aviation. Airlines have been adjusting routes in response to:

Security concerns Airspace restrictions Operational complications EASA conflict-zone guidance

Some carriers are choosing to wait for greater clarity before committing to full schedules. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also extended its conflict-zone guidance covering parts of the region, adding another factor to airline planning.

Dubai–Tel Aviv Flights After the FZ1073 Incident

Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to Israel following a serious incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an incident in the cockpit, prompting an investigation involving authorities in several countries.

37

Flights operated

7,479

Passengers carried

Oct. 2–5

Period covered

According to UAE authorities, these flights operated between Dubai and Tel Aviv after the temporary suspension of regular flydubai services. Israeli airlines were permitted to operate additional flights, while Etihad continued its scheduled Tel Aviv services.

A Fragmented Network, Not a Shutdown

For travellers, the result is a fragmented flight network in which one airline may be restoring a Dubai route while another continues to suspend the same destination. Several carriers are already planning their return, but the timing remains dependent on how regional conditions develop.

Dubai remains one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, and the continued operation of its home carriers means the airport has not experienced a blanket shutdown. Instead, the situation represents a selective and evolving reduction in international connectivity.

  • Verify your flight status before leaving for the airport.
  • Be prepared for last-minute schedule changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. DXB remains operational, and Emirates and flydubai continue to operate a broad network. Some international airlines, however, have suspended or delayed their Dubai flights.

Seventeen international airlines from Europe, Asia and North America have suspended or delayed flights to Dubai.

Lufthansa plans to restart Munich–Dubai on October 25 and Frankfurt–Dubai on October 26. SWISS will resume daily Zurich–Dubai flights on October 27.

British Airways’ Dubai service is scheduled to return on November 3, initially with one daily flight from London. Its Abu Dhabi services are not expected to return until the winter of 2027–28.

Singapore Airlines has extended the suspension of its daily Dubai service until December 1.

Cathay Pacific has cancelled Dubai services through January 31, 2027, and Air Canada has extended its Dubai suspension into 2027.

Air France has kept flights between Paris and Dubai suspended through October 24.

Airlines are responding to security concerns, airspace restrictions and operational complications in the region. EASA has also extended its conflict-zone guidance covering parts of the Middle East.

Flydubai temporarily suspended its Israel flights after the FZ1073 incident. According to UAE authorities, 37 flights carrying 7,479 passengers operated between Dubai and Tel Aviv from October 2 to 5, with Israeli airlines permitted to add flights and Etihad continuing its scheduled service.

Airlines and Dubai Airports urge travellers to check directly with their airline and verify their flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules can change at short notice.