Dubai’s Airport Is Nearly Full, Yet 17 Airlines Still Won’t Fly There

Dubai International Airport is operating close to full capacity, yet 17 international airlines still have their Dubai services suspended as of 12 October. The cause is Middle East security concerns and extended airspace restrictions. Emirates and flydubai continue to run extensive schedules, so the airport looks busy, but travellers booked on foreign carriers face a very different picture.

Return dates are wide-ranging. Finnair’s Helsinki–Dubai service is suspended for all of winter 2026/27, Cathay Pacific has cancelled until 31 January 2027, and Air Canada is suspended until the end of March 2027. British Airways has paused until 3 November, Austrian Airlines is expected back in December, and Aegean, Air France and Eurowings plan returns in late October or early November. Others, including KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Wizz Air, airBaltic, ITA Airways, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, have given no dates.

One quirk may help some passengers. Certain flights sold by a suspended airline are actually operated by Emirates under codeshare agreements and may still run. That makes it worth checking the operating carrier on your booking, not just the airline that sold you the ticket. Do not travel to the airport unless your flight is confirmed as operating, and use the airline’s app or manage-booking page for the most reliable status.

On rights, compensation is generally unlikely for cancellations caused by conflict-related security or airspace restrictions, because they are beyond an airline’s control. Refund, rerouting and care rights can still apply, including food, drinks and accommodation for overnight delays. If you are affected, ask for an alternative flight or a refund, keep your receipts, and avoid signing anything that waives your rights.

Sources: AirHelp