Virgin Atlantic suspends Dubai flights until 2027

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Britain’s Virgin Atlantic suspends Dubai flights until 2027

May 9, 2026

DUBAI,— Britain’s Virgin Atlantic will suspend its flights from the United Kingdom to Dubai, UAE, through at least the winter 2027 season as travel demand and safety concerns continue to affect operations in the Middle East.

The airline said it had made the “difficult decision” to temporarily stop its seasonal Dubai service for the winter 2026 schedule.

Virgin Atlantic said the route pause is expected to end next year, depending on safety reviews and customer demand.

The decision comes after major disruption to international air travel linked to the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

The UK Foreign Office, also known as the FCDO, currently advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Virgin Atlantic also confirmed that flights to Seattle will be suspended during the winter season. The airline plans to restart the Seattle service on March 27, 2027.

Passengers traveling to Seattle have been advised to use partner airline Delta Air Lines, which operates daily flights from London Heathrow.

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said the changes to the airline’s winter 2026 schedule were “due to evolving customer demand.”

The airline said it will expand services to South Africa between Oct. 25 and March 27. Cape Town will receive daily flights along with four additional weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Johannesburg services will increase by 78%, with daily flights and three additional weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Customers affected by the changes will be offered rebooking options or refunds.

(With files from Independent.co.uk)