Last checked: November 2026
Most visitors fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest international hubs in the world. Airline schedules were disrupted in 2026 and are still being rebuilt, so check your exact flight on the airline’s own site before you book and again before you leave home. Entry rules are in the Dubai visa guide.
Advisory status: The US State Department rates the United Arab Emirates at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, citing the threat of armed conflict and terrorism; the advisory text we could read is dated 3 March 2026. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office withdrew its advice against all but essential travel in June 2026. Neither government lists the country as Do Not Travel, but both pages can change at short notice, so read them again before you book and before you fly. See the US State Department advisory and the UK FCDO travel advice.
Quick Answers
- Which airport should I choose? DXB for almost all international flights. Al Maktoum International (DWC) has a limited passenger schedule.
- What is the time zone? Gulf Standard Time, UTC+4, with no clock change.
- Do I need to leave the airport on a layover? No, but check the visa rules first if you plan to enter the city.
Which Airports Serve Dubai?
Dubai has two commercial airports, and nearby emirates add more choice. The Dubai Airports website publishes terminal maps and live flight information.
| Airport | Code | Location | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai International | DXB | East side of the city, near Deira | Most international flights |
| Al Maktoum International | DWC | South-west, near Jebel Ali | Mainly cargo and a limited passenger schedule |
| Sharjah International | SHJ | In Sharjah, next to Dubai | Some regional and budget routes |
| Abu Dhabi International | AUH | About 1.5 hours away by road | Backup when DXB fares or seats are scarce |
DXB has three terminals. Emirates uses Terminal 3, flydubai uses Terminals 2 and 3, and many other airlines use Terminal 1. Your ticket shows the terminal, so confirm it before you set off.
How to Reach the City From DXB
Dubai Metro’s Red Line stops at Terminals 1 and 3, and Terminal 2 has no Metro station. Official taxi ranks and ride-hailing pickups are outside arrivals at all terminals, and many hotels run shuttles. Typical road times depend on traffic:
- Deira and Creek hotels: 10 to 20 minutes.
- Downtown Dubai: 20 to 30 minutes.
- Dubai Marina and JBR: 40 to 55 minutes.
- Palm Jumeirah: 40 to 60 minutes.
The getting around Dubai guide covers what to do once you are in the city.
Which Airlines Fly to Dubai?
Emirates and flydubai are based in Dubai and have kept wide schedules through 2026. Foreign airlines have been returning in stages. British Airways restarted daily London Heathrow to Dubai flights on 3 November 2026, after an eight-month pause. Lufthansa Group announced a restart for 25 November 2026, with flights from Frankfurt and Munich and a daily SWISS service from Zurich. Dates have moved before, so treat them as plans until your ticket is issued. Etihad serves Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai.
Routes and Flight Times
Only schedules confirmed by an airline are worth planning around. For example, British Airways flight BA105 was scheduled to leave Heathrow at 8.05pm and land in Dubai at 7.45am local time the next day, about 7 hours 40 minutes in the air. For other routes, read the duration on the airline’s booking page and allow extra time for connections.
Booking Tips
- Book directly with the airline or a known agent, and keep the booking reference.
- Choose a fare that allows changes, because schedules can shift.
- Check where your route flies if you connect through the Gulf region.
- Compare Terminal 1, 2 and 3 airlines before choosing a connection time.
- Buy travel insurance, and read the clauses on conflict and airspace closures.
Time Zone Notes
London is 4 hours behind Dubai in winter and 3 hours behind in British Summer Time. New York is 9 hours behind in winter. Plan sleep and arrival times with this gap in mind.
Before You Fly
- Passport valid for the period required by your nationality.
- Visa or on-arrival eligibility checked on the official ICP page.
- Return or onward ticket and first night’s address ready.
- Prescription medicines in original packaging, with a doctor’s note.
- Airline status checked 24 hours before departure.
- Terminal and baggage allowance confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at DXB?
Airlines normally advise arriving about three hours before an international departure. Dubai Airports and your carrier publish the latest guidance, and queues can lengthen at peak times.
Can I fly into Dubai from anywhere?
Dubai connects to most regions, but services differ by airline and month. Use the airline booking tool to see which routes run, and consider a connection through another hub.
Is Terminal 2 close to Terminal 3?
The terminals are separate buildings, and transfers between them can take time. If you change terminals, allow extra connection time and follow the airline’s transfer instructions.
Should I fly into Abu Dhabi instead?
It can help when Dubai flights are full. Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours from Dubai by road or less than an hour by Etihad Rail, so factor in the transfer.
Related Guides
- Dubai travel guide
- Dubai visa and entry rules
- Best places to visit in Dubai
- Best time to visit Dubai
- Dubai itineraries
- Where to stay in Dubai
- Getting around Dubai
Flight Deals
Compare current fares below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
