Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to UAE

Direct flight routes to UAE

Multiple European cities offer direct connections to Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), primarily operated by Emirates and Etihad Airways.

• London Heathrow – Dubai: Emirates, 6h 45m


• Paris CDG – Dubai: Emirates, 6h 35m


• Frankfurt – Dubai: Emirates, 6h 15m


• Amsterdam – Dubai: Emirates, KLM, 6h 55m


• Munich – Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, 6h 10m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub, offering extensive connections to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Average connection time 2-3 hours. Modern airport with excellent lounges and free city tours on longer layovers.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways hub with consistent 2-hour connections. Features the world’s best airport terminal with premium transfer facilities.

Cairo (CAI) – EgyptAir connections with typically longer layovers (4+ hours). More affordable options but older terminal facilities.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Layover options through Middle Eastern hubs often cost 20-40% less than direct flights.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layover flights with minimum 3-hour connections during winter to avoid delays due to fog in Dubai.


• Consider morning arrivals in UAE to avoid immigration queues common on night flights.


• Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways often offer free hotel stays on layovers exceeding 8 hours.


• Combining two separate tickets via Istanbul or Doha can sometimes be cheaper than a single ticket, especially during peak seasons.


• Weekend departures from Europe typically cost more regardless of routing chosen.

• Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates direct flights from Budapest, Vienna, and Bucharest with fares up to 60% below legacy carriers. Their A321neo aircraft feature 28-inch pitch seats which are tight but acceptable for 6-hour flights. The airline frequently runs promotional sales with one-way fares starting at €89.
• Flying via Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines to Dubai often yields savings of 30-40% compared to Western European hubs. Their 787 Dreamliners offer a comfortable 32-inch pitch in economy and convenient morning departures allowing early evening arrival. The carrier recently expanded its UAE frequencies to 6 weekly flights.
• Connecting through Istanbul on Turkish Airlines provides excellent value with premium economy on A350s featuring 38-inch pitch seats at prices comparable to regular economy on direct flights. Their extensive European network means you can depart from 120+ cities, with connection times in Istanbul typically under 3 hours.
• Gulf Air via Bahrain consistently offers competitive fares from Athens, Rome, and Paris to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, often 25% below market average. Their A321neo aircraft feature generous 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width seats. The airline’s midnight departure bank allows convenient morning arrivals in UAE.
• For premium comfort at reasonable prices, Kuwait Airways operates from Frankfurt and Paris to Dubai via Kuwait City using new A330-800neo aircraft with industry-leading 33-inch pitch in economy. Their current expansion strategy includes aggressive pricing, with business class often available at premium economy prices of competitors.

1. Skipping layover options in Qatar or Kuwait Many travelers fixate on direct flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, missing out on potentially cheaper fares with short layovers in nearby Gulf hubs.
2. Booking during peak hours at Dubai International Arriving between 1AM and 4AM at DXB means facing enormous immigration queues as this is when most European flights land simultaneously.
3. Not checking terminal assignments Dubai International Airport has three terminals spread far apart, and choosing the wrong one can result in missing a flight as inter-terminal transfers can take up to 30 minutes.
4. Ignoring shoulder season deals Flying between October and November or March and April offers significantly lower fares and pleasant weather, yet many travelers book during peak winter months.
5. Booking too far in advance Unlike other long-haul routes, UAE flights from Europe often have their best deals 3-4 months before departure, not the conventional 6-8 months ahead.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive direct flight network from Europe with exceptional service quality.

Operating from 23 European airports to Dubai, with London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt being the major hubs. Economy class offers generous 32-34 inch seat pitch, multicourse meals with complimentary wines, and one of the best entertainment systems in the sky. Consistently rated 4.3/5 by passengers for their Europe-UAE routes.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Superior comfort and quieter cabin experience in their newer aircraft.

Serves 12 European destinations with London, Paris, and Munich as primary departure points. Economy Smart seats provide excellent lumbar support and adjustable headrests. Their “Choose Well” fare structure allows passengers to customize their experience. Passenger ratings average 4.1/5, with particular praise for cabin cleanliness and crew service.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Competitive prices and quality stopover options in Istanbul.

Connects 18 European cities to Dubai and Abu Dhabi via Istanbul, with London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam as major departure points. Known for outstanding catering with chef-prepared meals even in Economy. Average layover of 2-3 hours in Istanbul is efficient. Maintains a 4.0/5 passenger rating with particularly high scores for meal quality.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Premium service quality with convenient connections through Doha.

Operating from 15 European airports to UAE destinations, primarily from London, Paris, and Manchester. Offers generous 31-32 inch seat pitch in Economy, high-quality dining, and attentive service. Quick connections in Doha’s modern Hamad International Airport. Consistently receives 4.4/5 passenger ratings for Europe-UAE routes.

Regional airlines strategy for Europe-UAE routes

Using APAC regional carriers can significantly reduce travel costs between Europe and the UAE, if you know how to structure your journey strategically.

1. Break the journey in Southeast Asia – Airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or Lion Air offer competitive rates from major Asian hubs to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
2. Book separate tickets – Instead of a single long-haul booking, combine a Europe-Bangkok/Singapore ticket with a separate regional carrier flight to UAE
3. Timing is crucial – Book the regional segment 2-3 months ahead, when APAC carriers release their promotional fares
4. Choose strategic hubs – Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore frequently offer the best connection options with budget carriers

This approach can save 30-40% compared to direct flights, but requires careful planning. Allow sufficient layover time between flights (minimum 4 hours) since you’ll need to collect and recheck luggage. Consider that most regional carriers operate from secondary terminals and may have stricter baggage allowances.

Best months for this strategy are March-May and September-November, when both European and APAC carriers offer competitive rates.