UAE-US travel: United Airlines cancels Dubai services through March 2027, offers full refunds
Emirates partnership offers alternative connections across major US hubs
DUBAI – United Airlines has pushed back the resumption of its nonstop Dubai service until March 2027, extending the suspension of flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai International Airport amid continuing disruption across the Middle East.
The US carrier, one of the world's largest international airlines, operates a network covering 370 destinations globally. Its Dubai route has remained suspended since February, when United Airlines halted service following the outbreak of the US-Iran war.
The airline had been closely monitoring developments across the region, with expectations that flights between Newark and Dubai could return before the end of 2026. Those plans have now been pushed back, with United Airlines confirming that the route will resume in March 2027.
The decision affects passengers booked on services that were originally scheduled between October 24, 2026 and March 27, 2027. United Airlines said customers directly affected by the cancellations will be eligible for full refunds.
Emirates option
United Airlines has encouraged affected customers to make use of its commercial partnership with Emirates, which has been in place since September 2022.
Emirates operates nonstop services from Dubai to six of United Airlines' main US hubs, including Chicago, San Francisco and Houston. The partnership allows passengers to connect between the two airlines' networks, providing links across North America, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Gulf region.
The arrangement gives United customers an alternative way to travel between the US and Dubai while the Newark service remains suspended.
United Airlines is the latest international carrier to delay the return of its Dubai route into 2027.
Luxair has also postponed its planned return until next year, while Air Canada has indicated that it intends to resume Dubai services in January 2027. Virgin Atlantic plans to return for the 2027 winter season.
Several other major European airlines, including KLM, Air France and British Airways, also remain absent from parts of the Middle East network, with individual carriers setting different dates for the restoration of services.