European Airline Halts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Flights Until Further Notice
The UAE’s aviation sector took another hit after a major European airline confirmed it will continue suspending flights to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Luxair has officially confirmed that it will not resume flights to Dubai until February 6, 2027, according to an announcement made Monday by Luxair CEO Gilles Feith. The Luxembourg carrier had also planned to launch a new route to Abu Dhabi starting in October, but that service has now been postponed until late 2027, with no specific date confirmed. Sources close to the airline suggest the launch could realistically fall within the third or fourth quarter of 2027.
The decision to suspend both routes comes amid escalating fighting across the Middle East in recent days. Following a period of relative calm, US military forces struck strategic targets on Larak Island on Sunday, in attacks reportedly resulting in the deaths of several IRGC members. On Monday, the UAE Armed Forces confirmed they had intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone over the country’s territorial waters, as Tehran simultaneously launched a series of strikes on Jordan in response to the earlier US action.
This renewed escalation appears to be a key factor behind Luxair’s decision, underscoring how volatile and unpredictable conditions remain across the region. The Luxembourg airline said it would begin contacting affected customers from Tuesday onward to outline available options for reimbursement.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Radio 100.7, Feith acknowledged that 2026 has been a difficult year for the airline. He said Luxair is projecting a 6 to 7 percent drop in revenue, with demand for travel to certain destinations falling sharply. While aviation authorities had earlier warned of potential mass fuel shortages during the US-Iran conflict, Feith said the airline had so far avoided any fueling issues.
Despite the setbacks, Feith expressed confidence that Luxair could recover some of its losses over the coming months. He also welcomed news that United Airlines plans to launch a direct route between Luxembourg and Newark starting in April 2027, while emphasizing his hope that Luxair would continue to serve the regional market effectively going forward.
Also Read:
French-Saudi Partnership Gains Momentum Through AI, Science and Innovation
Dubai Gold Prices Pause After Rally as Investors Look for Fed Direction
