Flying to Dubai: which airline should you book?

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will be resuming its flights from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport between October and March. This relaunch follows a hiatus since 2019 while the carrier reviewed its network. 

The service will run four times a week and flights can be booked from 7th June 2023. These reinstated flights come just in time to catch the best time of year to visit Dubai. 

From October to March, travellers can enjoy the winter sun without temperatures getting too hot. 

Virgin Atlantic now joins two other airlines serving Dubai from the UK on a regular basis – British Airways and Emirates. Royal Brunei Airlines also runs on select days. 

Travellers to Dubai now have three main flight carriers to choose from – Emirates, British Airways and now Virgin Atlantic. So, which one is right for you? 

Here’s a quickfire comparison of all three to help you decide: 

Virgin Atlantic: London Heathrow Airport 

Emirates: London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport, Birmingham Airport and Glasgow Airport

British Airways: London Heathrow Airport

Virgin Atlantic: Four times a week

Emirates: Two to three times a day depending on the airport

British Airways: Three times a day

Virgin Atlantic: October to March

Emirates: All year round 

British Airways: All year round 

Virgin Atlantic: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Emirates: Boeing 777, Airbus A380

British Airways: Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Boeing 787-10

Virgin Atlantic: Economy Light, Economy Classic and Economy Delight give you reclining seats, USB power, AC power, blanket and pillow, headphones, entertainment screen and dining. Classic and Delight offer checked baggage options. 

Upgrade to Premium and receive extra large seats and legroom, two checked bags, glass of bubbly, premium menu to pre-order from, premium check-in and priority boarding. 

Emirates: Economy Class travellers receive spacious seating, an entertainment screen, complimentary in-flight drinks, an award-winning menu, pillow and blanket and a checked luggage allowance. 

Premium Economy travellers receive all that and more with upgraded seating. 

British Airways: World Traveller Economy Class can choose between Basic and Standard with comfortable seats, baggage options, in-flight dining and entertainment. 

Step it up a notch with Premium Economy for extra legroom, extra checked luggage and priority boarding. 

Virgin Atlantic: Upgrade to Upper Class and receive all the benefits of Premium alongside luxury four-course dining, fast-track and private security plus access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. 

Emirates: Business and First Class travellers receive award-winning luxury comfort, fine-dining, privacy doors and an on-board lounge. Those in First Class also get access to a shower spa. 

British Airways: Upgrade to Business Class and receive lounge access, dedicated check-in, full flat beds and a premium menu. First Class travellers receive all that and more in a private suite.