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Flying to Dubai: the guide
Choose a departure city to see estimated flight times by aircraft size and whether each can fly nonstop, then read what to know about arriving and timing your trip.
2,970 nmGreat-circle distance to DXB
Estimates use typical cruise speeds and conservative practical ranges with reserves. Winds, payload, routing, permits and summer heat all change the real plan.
| Aircraft | Est. time | Nonstop? |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 12h 30m | One fuel stop |
| Light jet | 8h 30m | One fuel stop |
| Midsize jet | 8h 30m | One fuel stop |
| Super-midsize jet | 6h 45m | Nonstop, at the edge of range |
| Large cabin jet | 6h 45m | Nonstop |
| Ultra long range jet | 6h 30m | Nonstop |
From London Luton, the smallest category that flies to Dubai nonstop with a comfortable margin is the large cabin jet.
Arrival
DXB or DWC
Both airports welcome private aircraft and both are open day and night. The better choice depends on your address in Dubai and your dates.
Dubai International
- Nearest to Downtown, DIFC, Business Bay and Deira
- Business aviation passengers use a dedicated terminal
- Slots and aircraft parking are limited at peak times
Al Maktoum International
- South-west, toward Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah
- Dedicated business aviation facilities and more parking
- Busiest during the Dubai Airshow in odd-numbered Novembers
Timing
Seasons and holidays
Peak
The most comfortable weather and the heaviest demand. Christmas and New Year are the hardest dates for slots and parking.
Shoulder
Warmer, quieter and often easier to arrange, with more choice of aircraft.
Summer
Afternoon heat near or above 40°C, fewer arrivals and more departures toward Europe.
Dubai keeps UTC+4 all year with no clock changes. National Day is 2 December. Ramadan and the Eid holidays follow the lunar calendar and arrive about eleven days earlier each year.
Before you fly
Documents and permits
Every passenger needs a passport valid for the whole journey and any visa their nationality requires; entry rules vary by passport, so we confirm them for your group. The operator arranges landing permits for the UAE and overflight permits for the countries on the route, which is one reason to request international trips early.
Pets need a UAE import permit and vaccination records in addition to the operator's agreement. Some medicines are restricted in the UAE, so check prescriptions before travel.
