Lufthansa Follows British Airways and Others With Dubai Return Plans That Could Deliver a Major Boost to European Connectivity and Winter Tourism

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Lufthansa, British Airways and a few other airline companies have started or are planning to reinstate flights from Europe to Dubai for the 2026 winter season. Dubai, UAE is expecting a gradual return of international flights for the 2026 winter season. Some airlines may return as early as October and November. Other flights may still be suspended. Flights may change or be suspended and the options for direct flights may change as well. The longest interrupted flights may become direct or change to have only one connection.

The recovery does not follow one timetable. Philippine Airlines has announced an early October return, while Eurowings has outlined November services. KLM remains suspended through late October, and Singapore Airlines has extended cancellations into December. Passengers should distinguish a proposed restart from a confirmed operating flight when planning their journeys.

Air Astana Plans a Gradual October Return

Air Astana’s provisional timetable places the Almaty–Dubai restart on 1 October 2026, initially with four weekly flights. Frequencies are expected to increase to 12 weekly services by the end of the month.

Astana–Dubai flights are listed to restart on 2 October, beginning with three weekly departures and rising to 10. If implemented as outlined, the two routes would provide 22 weekly services by the end of October, offering more departure choices than during the initial restart period.

Philippine Airlines Sets October Restart

Philippine Airlines has confirmed plans to restore its nonstop Manila–Dubai service from 2 October 2026. The airline reiterated that date in a September announcement ahead of the route’s return.

The planned resumption restores a direct option between the two cities for holidays, business journeys and family visits. Travelers with existing reservations should review their booking details, particularly where an earlier cancellation affected the original itinerary or required alternative arrangements.

Aegean Targets a Return Before November

Aegean Airlines’ reported Dubai return is scheduled for 19 October 2026, placing the Greek carrier among those planning to resume services before the main November restart period.

The date remains provisional pending direct airline reconfirmation. For passengers planning an October journey, the important distinction is between the first proposed departure and the timetable available throughout their visit. Outbound and return flights should both be checked before accommodation is finalised.

Eurowings Confirms Three German Connections

Eurowings has published a phased Dubai restart beginning on 1 November 2026. Its operational notice specifies daily flights from Berlin and four weekly services from Stuttgart from that date. The announced programme provides 14 weekly connections across the three German departure points. Because the routes restart on different dates, the first November departure should not be applied to every Eurowings service.

Lufthansa’s Proposed Return Spans Multiple Hubs

Lufthansa’s provisional schedule places the Munich–Dubai resumption on 25 October 2026, with five weekly connections. Frankfurt–Dubai is listed for the following day, 26 October.

SWISS services from Zurich and Austrian Airlines flights from Vienna are also included in the proposed return programme. Their individual restart dates require separate confirmation. Passengers travelling through these hubs should verify the airline operating each sector rather than assume all Lufthansa Group connections will restart simultaneously.

Air France Keeps Security Reviews Central

Air France’s reported suspension covers Dubai flights up to and including 24 October 2026, with any resumption dependent on an assessment of regional security conditions.

That wording does not establish a guaranteed restart on 25 October. The suspension period and subsequent operating schedule need direct reconfirmation. Customers whose bookings change should review the alternatives communicated by the airline or their travel agent before arranging replacement flights independently.

KLM Suspension Continues Through October

KLM’s current advisory confirms that flights to and from Dubai remain paused up to and including 24 October 2026. The airline also states that it cannot yet resume its regular regional schedule.

Consequently, 24 October should not be presented as a confirmed return date. Customers affected by cancellations can review rebooking, voucher and refund options under the published conditions. Any replacement itinerary should be checked carefully, including its departure date and connecting services.

British Airways Return Remains Provisional

British Airways is listed for a planned Dubai return on 4 November 2026. That date remains provisional and requires confirmation against the airline’s current operating schedule.

Passengers holding earlier bookings should check whether their original reservation remains active or has been changed. A future restart announcement does not automatically establish the status of an individual ticket, particularly where a journey includes connecting flights or alternative travel arrangements.

Singapore Airlines Extends Its Cancellation Period

Singapore Airlines’ current advisory states that SQ494 from Singapore to Dubai and SQ495 from Dubai to Singapore are cancelled until 1 December 2026.

The extended cancellation period changes the options available for autumn journeys. Travelers should not plan around an October restart. The airline warns that the situation remains fluid and directs customers to its flight status service for current information about affected journeys.

Wizz Air Plans Need Route Checks

Wizz Air’s reported late October return covers Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with eight European routes mentioned across the two airports. The individual destinations and operating dates remain unverified.

Travelers should check each route separately and confirm the UAE arrival airport before booking onward transfers. Dubai and Abu Dhabi services should not be treated as interchangeable, and passengers should match their accommodation and ground transport to the airport shown on their ticket.

Before travelling, passengers should check flight status again, retain all relevant booking notifications and confirm any revised departure details directly with the airline responsible for operating their booked journey.

Timeline of Airline Restarts & Suspensions