British Airways resumes flights to Dubai after Middle East conflict disrupted travel
Published: 10:55, 3 November 2026 | Updated: 10:57, 3 November 2026
When widespread conflict erupted in the Middle East in February of this year, flights to the region were majorly disrupted – with some airports even forced to close temporarily.
Travel from the UK was similarly affected; the UK Foreign Office only lifted its travel ban on trips to and transiting through Dubai and the surrounding region in June.
Inevitably, the situation had a huge impact on tourism to the destination, with international visitors to the destination dropping by 44 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026.
But things are looking more positive for the luxurious skyscraper-packed metropolis.
Despite its temporary closure earlier this year, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is now operating at close to full capacity, and some airlines are starting to resume flights to the previously popular spot.
British Airways is set to restart its flights to DXB today, November 3, with prices this month starting from £627 for the direct route.
British Airways is set to restart flights to Dubai International Airport today, November 3
What's more, BA plans to increase the frequency of its Dubai offerings to two departures each day by next summer.
Elsewhere, Aegean Airlines resumed direct flights between Athens and Dubai on October 26.
Other airlines are also preparing to return to the region: Wizz Air is set to schedule flights to Dubai at the end of March 2027, Time Out Dubai reports.
The budget carrier had originally planned to resume operations on October 25 but the date has since been pushed back.
The routes will operate between DXB and two European cities: Bucharest and Budapest.
Similarly, the Lufthansa Group, which comprises Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, plans to resume flights to Dubai on November 25.
'In light of the current situation and outlook in the Middle East, Lufthansa Group today decided to postpone the planned resumption of flights to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) until 25 November 2026,' the company said.
'Lufthansa and SWISS had originally planned to resume services on 25 October, followed by Eurowings on November 1. Affected passengers will be notified accordingly.'
The destination saw a 44 per cent decrease in international visitors in the first eight months of 2026
Airlines such as Emirates and flydubai are already operating routes. Economy class return tickets from London Gatwick to DXB are priced from £535 with Emirates.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air resumed flights in April, Metro reports.
There are plenty of new initiatives being launched in Dubai to help boost tourism too, including the arrival of a Marks & Spencer Foodhall, set to open in Dubai Festival City next month.
Stocked with British M&S favourites as well as local goods, the shop will span a huge 15,327 square feet.
Meanwhile, a digital tourist visa application system for single and multiple-entry visas launched on November 1 with Visit Dubai.
An invitation-only membership programme has also been introduced which offers repeat visitors deals and benefits in the city, Khaleej Times reports.