British Airways is back in Dubai. Its first Heathrow service to the city in eight months was scheduled for the evening of 3 November 2026, restoring a daily direct link to the Gulf’s best-known winter-sun city just as the cooler months arrive.
The return of British Airways Dubai flights ends a suspension that began at the end of February, when US and Israeli strikes on Iran shut much of the region’s airspace. This guide covers what is running, what isn’t, and what to check before you book or travel.
British Airways Dubai flights: times, aircraft and fares
For the winter season, BA is operating one flight a day between Heathrow and Dubai International (DXB). The outbound leaves at 8pm and lands at 7.45am local time the next morning, after a journey of seven hours and 50 minutes.
The return leaves Dubai at 10am and touches down in London at 2.55pm, so you are home by the afternoon.
The route is flown by a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Starting one-way economy fares for November have been quoted at between £329 and £340. BA intends to double the service to two daily flights in summer 2027.
The restart took longer than hoped. BA first pencilled in a return for 1 July, then pushed it back to 25 October and finally to 3 November.
Abu Dhabi, Amman and the rest of BA’s Middle East network
Dubai is the first Gulf city back on BA’s map, but the wider network is returning in stages:
- Abu Dhabi: suspended for the whole 2026/27 winter. BA expects to return in the winter 2027-28 season. For now, Etihad is the only airline flying direct from the UK, with departures from Heathrow and Manchester.
- Amman, Jordan: four flights a week from 4 November 2026.
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: due back on 11 January 2027, with one daily flight rather than the previous two.
- Bahrain: suspended until late March 2027.
BA says it is keeping events in the region under constant review and will update customers if plans change.
What the FCDO says about travel to the UAE
There is currently no general Foreign Office warning against travel to the UAE. On 27 October the FCDO updated its advice for 16 countries in and around the Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Turkey, with a fresh note on regional tensions.
“The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable, and the risk of sudden escalation is high.” (FCDO)
The FCDO tells British nationals heading to or through the region to be ready for cancelled flights, closed airspace and wider disruption. If you are ever told to take shelter, it advises staying inside a secure building, ideally in an inner stairwell or a room with few outside walls or windows, and never touching drone or missile debris.
Europe’s aviation safety regulator, EASA, also continues to tell airlines to keep clear of the airspace above Gulf waters in the UAE’s flight information region, except when arriving at or departing from airports. Its current guidance runs until 16 November.
Shortly before you fly, check the FCDO’s UAE travel advice page for the latest safety update and its entry requirements section.
If your trip was cancelled or rebooked: what to check
Many readers will have had Gulf plans upended since February. If you are travelling soon, run through these points:
- Check your booking status on the BA website or app before you leave for the airport, as regional airspace can change at short notice.
- If you were moved to a new date, make sure the flight number and times on your booking match the current timetable.
- Booked a package holiday? Ask your travel company to confirm your flight is running as planned.
- Read your insurance policy. Where the Foreign Office warns against travel, most policies are unlikely to pay out, and you may not get consular support.
- Holding a BA booking to Abu Dhabi? The route isn’t running this winter, so speak to BA or your travel company about your options.
Why it matters for UK travellers
The UAE is a winter favourite for Britons. More than a million of us holiday in Dubai and Abu Dhabi each year, and Dubai alone welcomed 1.3m UK visitors in 2025, according to Wales Online.
With BA’s daily service back, there is a direct British Airways option again for Christmas and New Year. With only one BA flight a day this winter, it makes sense to book early for peak dates.
The restart also marks real progress for an airline that spent months working around the crisis. During the worst of the disruption, BA ran eight relief flights from Muscat in Oman to bring stranded passengers back to the UK. It also laid on extra London services to Singapore and Bangkok for affected travellers.
Disruption remains possible, and the FCDO is clear about that. Flexible bookings, a protected package and solid travel insurance will give you the most peace of mind.
Planning a trip?
If Dubai’s winter sunshine is calling, browse our UAE holidays for beach and city stays. You can also see our latest Dubai holiday offers, or pair the city with island time on a Dubai and Maldives multi-centre holiday.
FAQs
When did British Airways restart flights to Dubai?
BA brought back direct flights from London Heathrow to Dubai International on 3 November 2026, after an eight-month suspension linked to the Iran conflict. One flight a day runs through the winter, leaving Heathrow at 8pm and landing at 7.45am local time, with a second daily flight planned for summer 2027.
Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now?
The FCDO currently has no general warning against travel to the UAE. However, its advice updated on 27 October describes the Middle East situation as unpredictable and says travellers should expect possible cancellations, airspace closures and disruption. Check the FCDO page and your airline before travelling, and make sure your insurance is in place.
When will British Airways fly to Abu Dhabi again?
Not this winter. BA has paused Abu Dhabi for the whole 2026/27 winter and expects the route to return in winter 2027-28. Until then, Etihad is the only airline flying direct between the UK and Abu Dhabi, with departures from London Heathrow and Manchester.
