DUBAI: Air Canada has extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) until the end of March 2027, making it one of several international carriers whose UAE operations will remain disrupted into next year.
The Canadian airline said in a September 24 travel update that its Dubai services would remain cancelled through March 2027 because of the situation in the Middle East. Air Canada had previously extended the suspension only through mid-January 2027.
The latest decision contrasts with a number of carriers preparing to restore Dubai or Abu Dhabi services during October, November and December 2026.
For UAE travellers, that means the return of international connectivity will take place in stages rather than on a single timetable.
Air Canada Dubai flights remain suspended
Air Canada’s latest advisory confirms that flights to and from Dubai will remain cancelled until March 31, 2027. The airline has not announced a new earlier restart date.
Air Canada continues to list Dubai–Toronto services in its booking system for future dates, including 2027, but passengers should distinguish between fares appearing for sale and a confirmed operational restart. Its published booking pages currently show Dubai–Toronto itineraries for March 2027 and later.
The airline’s suspension is linked to its assessment of the regional security environment rather than a permanent withdrawal from the Dubai market.
Several airlines are preparing to return to Dubai
While Air Canada is extending its suspension, other international carriers have published restart dates.
SWISS says it will resume daily Zurich–Dubai flights from October 27, 2026 under flight numbers LX242 and LX243. The airline said the service will mainly be operated by an Airbus A340-300 during the winter schedule.
Wizz Air has also confirmed the return of its Dubai and Abu Dhabi services from October 25, 2026. The airline said it plans to restore 12 routes and 49 weekly flights across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Amman during the winter season.
Singapore Airlines is scheduled to resume its Dubai operation after its current cancellation period ends on October 24. Its published schedule shows SQ494 between Singapore and Dubai from October 25, 2026, with SQ495 operating in the opposite direction.
Philippine Airlines is also showing Dubai–Manila flights from October 2, 2026 in its booking system.
These schedules remain subject to operational conditions and individual airline decisions.
Other UAE services extend into 2027
Not every carrier is planning a 2026 return.
Finnair has confirmed that its Helsinki–Dubai flights will remain suspended for the entire 2026–27 winter season, from October 25, 2026, through March 27, 2027. The airline cited the unstable security situation in the Middle East.
The current airline schedules also show that some carriers are planning Dubai returns during the first part of 2027. This includes services being scheduled by carriers such as Cathay Pacific, while Air Canada has now pushed its own suspension through the end of March. Cathay Pacific’s booking system is already showing Dubai itineraries for January 2027.
The result is a mixed picture for travellers: some routes are returning in the weeks ahead, while others remain unavailable for several months.
What UAE travellers should check before booking
Published restart dates should not automatically be treated as guarantees that every flight will operate as scheduled.
Airlines can revise schedules because of operational, security or regulatory considerations. Singapore Airlines, for example, has said the Middle East situation remains fluid and advised affected passengers to check their flight status.
Passengers with existing bookings should therefore check directly with the operating airline before travelling, particularly where a route has previously been suspended.
For travellers planning international journeys from Dubai, the key distinction is between a published future schedule and a confirmed operating flight. Airline booking systems may display future dates while schedules remain subject to change.
For now, Air Canada’s latest position is clear: its Dubai services will remain cancelled until the end of March 2027, while a number of other international airlines are preparing to reconnect Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their networks before the end of 2026.
When will Air Canada resume Dubai flights?
Air Canada currently says flights to and from Dubai will remain cancelled until the end of March 2027.
Why has Air Canada suspended Dubai flights?
Air Canada says the suspension is due to the situation in the Middle East and its assessment of the regional security environment.
Are other airlines returning to Dubai in 2026?
Yes. Airlines including SWISS, Wizz Air, Singapore Airlines and Philippine Airlines have published schedules showing Dubai service resumptions in October 2026.
When will Wizz Air return to Dubai?
Wizz Air has confirmed Dubai services from October 25, 2026, as part of its winter schedule.
When will SWISS resume Dubai flights?
SWISS plans to resume daily Zurich–Dubai flights on October 27, 2026.
Are all airlines expected to return to Dubai in 2026?
No. Some carriers have schedules extending their Dubai return into 2027. Finnair, for example, has cancelled its Dubai flights through March 27, 2027.
Should passengers rely on published future flight schedules?
Passengers should check directly with their airline before travelling because schedules and restart dates can change depending on operational and security conditions.
