Flights to the United Arab Emirates

A flight from London to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi takes approximately six hours and 50 minutes.

We fly direct to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow Airport.

The cheapest time to fly to the UAE is usually during the summer months of June, July and August when the country experiences its hottest weather. However, even with the temperature reaching 40°C, it’s still a great time to visit. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have climate-controlled malls, hotels and transport. Accommodation is cheaper and there are fewer visitors at the main attractions.

The best months to travel to the United Arab Emirates are between October and March, when temperatures hover around 25°C during the day and humidity is low. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and visiting the country’s many beaches, as well as a perfect destination for winter sun.

The centre of Dubai is just a few kilometres from the airport, with taxis, buses and trains running 24 hours a day.

Once you land in Abu Dhabi it’s a straightforward journey into the city, with a 24-hour air-conditioned bus service that runs every 40 minutes from all three of the airport’s terminals. A taxi takes less than 30 minutes. 

Dubai has a great public transport system which includes buses, trams, water taxis, and the Dubai Metro – the world’s largest driverless train system. The Palm Monorail stops at many of Palm Jumeirah's most popular attractions.  

Taxis are the easiest way to get around Abu Dhabi, and bicycles are available to rent across the city. 

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what the United Arab Emirates has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

The United Arab Emirates is a fantastic, year-round destination. Alongside its high-octane attractions and world-class shopping, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer plenty of opportunities for more laid-back pursuits. Explore Abu Dhabi’s quieter side with a trip to the Liwa Desert. Book a guided tour or overnight camping safari to watch the sun set and enjoy a barbecue under the stars. Stroll along the seafront promenade or wander through the nearby garden city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 150,000 palm trees. Take an early morning trip to the Mangrove National Park on the edge of Abu Dhabi, where you can kayak the waterways or stroll along the overwater boardwalk.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders may require a visa to visit the United Arab Emirates, depending on how long they stay. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.  

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.