Flying from London to Dubai
The London to Dubai route covers roughly 5,500 kilometres and is one of the busiest long-haul corridors out of the UK. Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai International (DXB) clock in at around 7 hours in the air — slightly longer on the return leg due to prevailing headwinds. It is a genuinely comfortable distance for a long-haul route: not so short that premium cabin upgrades feel wasteful, not so long that economy becomes gruelling. You land in the UAE the same evening if you take a morning departure, which gives you a full first day once you clear immigration.
Most direct flights operate from Heathrow, which is the hub for both British Airways and Emirates on this corridor. If you are based north or east of London, you may find connecting options from Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN) or Stansted (STN) that are cheaper in headline price — just factor in the extra ground travel time and any layover. Indirect routes typically route through Doha, Muscat, Cairo or other Gulf hubs and add anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to your total journey time.
Airlines on This Route
Four carriers run nonstop flights from London to Dubai. Emirates is the dominant force here, operating multiple daily departures from Heathrow Terminal 3 on a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft — the A380 routes are worth seeking out if you want a quieter upper deck in economy. British Airways flies the route daily from Terminal 5, typically on a 777, and is a solid choice if you are collecting Avios or hold a BA Executive Club card. Virgin Atlantic operates flights from Heathrow Terminal 3 on select days and is worth checking if you hold Virgin Points or catch a sale. Royal Brunei Airlines also serves the route from Heathrow with a stop in Bandar Seri Begawan, so it is technically connecting rather than nonstop.
For budget-conscious travellers, connecting flights from Luton or Stansted on Wizz Air or indirectly via Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Egyptair, or Saudi Arabian Airlines through Heathrow can significantly undercut direct fares, especially for flexible travellers who do not mind a layover.
Flight Prices: London to Dubai
Cheap flights to Dubai from London start from around £100–£140 one-way in economy on indirect routes when booked well in advance or during a flash sale. Direct economy fares on Emirates or British Airways typically sit between £380 and £650 one-way for a return booking, with standalone one-way tickets often priced higher. Round-trip economy tickets from Heathrow average around £550–£750 in shoulder season. Business class on this route starts around £1,800 return but can exceed £4,000 during peak periods. First class on Emirates — which offers a genuinely exceptional product on the A380 — usually starts north of £3,500 return.
To find London to Dubai flight deals, set up price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, be flexible on departure days (Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently cheaper than Friday or Sunday), and book at least 6–10 weeks ahead for peak months. Last-minute fares on this route rarely drop — Emirates manages its inventory tightly.
Best Time to Book London to Dubai Flights
Dubai has two distinct travel seasons that directly affect airfares. October through April is the pleasant weather season in Dubai — temperatures are warm rather than punishing — and this is peak demand for the route. Expect higher fares, particularly over Christmas, New Year, and the school half-terms in February. Book these periods at least 3–4 months out.
May through September is Dubai's summer: temperatures regularly exceed 40°C and humidity is brutal. Fares drop noticeably during these months — you can find genuine Dubai flight deals if the heat does not put you off. February to March and September to October are the sweet spots: reasonable weather in Dubai, lower demand from the UK market, and fares that have not yet spiked for the winter season. These are the months to aim for if price is a priority.
Dubai Airport Guide
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world's busiest airports and handles the vast majority of flights on this route. It has three terminals: Terminal 1 handles most international carriers including Oman Air and Qatar Airways connections; Terminal 2 is used by lower-cost and regional carriers; Terminal 3 is dedicated entirely to Emirates and is enormous — budget 20 minutes to walk between gates. Emirates flights from London arrive at T3.
From the airport into central Dubai, the Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to major stops including Union, BurJuman, and Dubai Marina. A metro ride to Downtown Dubai takes around 35–45 minutes and costs roughly 8–12 AED (£1.70–£2.50). Taxis are metered, widely available, and a ride to central areas like Downtown or DIFC will cost approximately 60–90 AED (£13–£20) depending on traffic. Rideshare apps including Careem and Uber operate at the airport.
FAQ — London to Dubai Flights
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Dubai International take approximately 7 hours. The return flight is slightly longer at around 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours due to headwinds. Connecting flights add significant time depending on the layover duration and stopover city — budget at least 10–12 hours for a one-stop itinerary.
What is the cheapest time to fly from London to Dubai?
May through September is generally the cheapest period for London to Dubai flights, as these are Dubai's summer months with temperatures that deter many leisure travellers. Within the cooler season, late September and February offer the best combination of affordable fares and bearable weather. Avoid booking over UK school holidays — February half-term, Easter, and the Christmas period — when fares spike sharply.
Which airlines fly from London to Dubai?
Emirates and British Airways operate daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Dubai. Virgin Atlantic also flies the route on select days from Heathrow. For connecting flights, Qatar Airways via Doha, Oman Air via Muscat, Egyptair via Cairo, and Wizz Air on indirect routes from Luton or Stansted offer alternatives, often at lower prices with the trade-off of a longer total journey time.
How much do London to Dubai flights cost?
Economy return fares on direct flights from London to Dubai typically range from around £450 to £750 in shoulder season, rising to £900 or more over Christmas and New Year. Indirect routes can bring the price down to £200–£350 return if you are flexible. Business class return starts at around £1,800 and can reach £4,000-plus in peak season. Booking 6–10 weeks ahead and travelling mid-week will consistently get you a better price on this route.