Cheap flights from London to Dubai

Around seven hours to winter sun, desert trips and one of the world's busiest hub airports.

Photo: Anubhav Sonker / Unsplash

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London → Dubai

London to Dubai is the classic winter-sun long-haul route, with nonstop flights from Heathrow and Gatwick taking about seven hours. Dubai is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three hours ahead during British Summer Time, as the UAE does not change its clocks. Daytime departures from London land in the evening, while overnight flights arrive early in the morning, which saves a hotel night but makes the first day a long one.

Demand follows the weather. From November to March, daytime temperatures are warm rather than fierce, and UK half-terms, Christmas and Easter are the busiest dates for fares. From June to September, temperatures regularly pass 40 °C, hotels are quieter and fares often ease outside the school summer holidays. Dubai is also a common stopover between the UK and Asia or Australia, so it is worth pricing a few days in the city as part of a longer trip.

Route facts

Flight time
About 7 hours
Distance
5,500 km (3,420 miles)
Departure airports
Heathrow, Gatwick
Arrival airports
Dubai International (DXB)
Airlines
Typically served nonstop by Emirates and British Airways

When fares to Dubai are highest

  • Lower demand
  • Shoulder
  • Peak – book early

Peaks and cheaper windowsFares peak over Christmas and New Year and during UK half-terms and Easter, when winter sun is most in demand. May, June and September are usually the cheapest months, though the heat limits outdoor sightseeing.

Based on typical seasonal demand and fares, not live prices. Run a search to see current prices for your dates.

Tips for cheaper London–Dubai flights

  • Check Ramadan dates before you book: they move about 11 days earlier each year, and while Dubai stays open to visitors, daytime dining and nightlife are quieter and hotel prices can dip.
  • UK half-term weeks are the busiest times on the route; if you are not tied to school dates, travelling a week either side can make a noticeable difference to the fare.
  • If you land early in the morning, ask your hotel about early check-in or luggage storage, or compare the cost of booking the previous night so the room is ready when you arrive.
  • Emirates flies from both Heathrow and Gatwick, so compare the two rather than defaulting to Heathrow, particularly if you live south of London or want a different departure time.

London to Dubai flights: questions and answers

How long is the flight from London to Dubai?

About seven hours nonstop from Heathrow or Gatwick, and usually a little longer on the way back. Dubai is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three hours ahead during British Summer Time, because the UAE does not use daylight saving time.

When is the best time to fly to Dubai?

November to March brings the most comfortable weather for beaches and outdoor sightseeing, so it is also the busiest period. April and October are useful shoulder months. From June to September it is very hot and humid, which keeps hotel demand lower and fares often more reasonable outside the UK school holidays.

Which terminal will I use at Dubai International?

Emirates uses Terminal 3, while British Airways and most other foreign airlines use Terminal 1. Both terminals are on the Dubai Metro Red Line, which runs to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and other areas, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Check your booking before you fly, as terminal allocations can change.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Dubai?

British passport holders can currently get a visit visa on arrival for tourism, provided their passport meets the validity rules. Entry requirements can change, so check the latest UAE guidance on GOV.UK before you travel, especially if your passport is close to expiry or you plan a longer stay.

Is Dubai a good stopover on the way to Asia or Australia?

Yes. Dubai is a major hub with onward flights across Asia, Africa and Australasia, and two or three nights there breaks up a long journey. Compare a stopover itinerary with a straight connection and with two separate bookings, bearing in mind that separate tickets give no protection if a delay makes you miss the onward flight.

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