Two German Cities Are Getting Dubai Back Before Frankfurt Does

Lufthansa Group is bringing back part of its Dubai network later this month, but the restart is selective, and the group’s biggest hub is not among the winners. All of the group’s flights to Dubai remain suspended through November 24, a pause the airlines attribute to the situation in the Middle East. From November 25, two routes return: Lufthansa’s Munich to Dubai service, at five flights a week, and Eurowings’ daily Berlin to Dubai flight.

The rest of the group’s Dubai flying stays grounded far longer. Lufthansa’s Frankfurt to Dubai route, Swiss from Zurich and Austrian Airlines from Vienna are all suspended through March 27, 2027, which is the end of the northern winter schedule. That means travelers from Switzerland and Austria who want to stay within the group will need to connect through Munich or Berlin, or switch to another carrier, for the whole winter sun season.

The split approach reflects how airlines are rebuilding Gulf schedules cautiously after weeks of disruption in the region. Restarting a couple of routes lets a carrier test demand and operating conditions without committing its largest aircraft and hub slots. For passengers, it also means fewer seats, which tends to push fares higher on the services that do operate, particularly over the Christmas and New Year holidays when Dubai is at its busiest.

Anyone holding a Lufthansa Group booking to Dubai should check whether their flight falls inside the suspension and what rebooking or refund options the airline is offering. Those flexible about their departure city may find Munich or Berlin the simplest workaround this winter. As with any schedule tied to a fluid security situation, the dates could shift again, so it is worth checking the booking a few days before travel.

Sources: Aviation Week Network