Europe is one of the UAE's richest long-haul markets, with direct flights to major cities plus easy one-stop connections everywhere else. The choice spans premium flag carriers to genuine budget options.
Full-service and flag carriers
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to many European cities with wide-body comfort. European flag carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and KLM connect the UAE with their home hubs and onward networks, while Turkish Airlines offers vast connectivity via Istanbul.
Budget options
Air Arabia now reaches several European cities including London Gatwick from Sharjah on its newer aircraft, and flydubai serves Eastern and Southern Europe. For value on the routes they fly, both are worth comparing against the full-service fares.
How to choose
- Direct to a major city with premium comfort: Emirates or Etihad.
- Flying into a specific European hub on a home carrier: BA, Lufthansa, Air France or KLM.
- Maximum onward connections: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
- Lowest fare and travelling light: Air Arabia or flydubai on their routes.
Browse specific routes like London, Istanbul and Amsterdam, or search above.
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Browse Travel eSIMsFrequently Asked Questions
Which airline is best from the UAE to Europe?
For direct comfort, Emirates and Etihad lead. For a specific European hub, the home flag carrier is natural, and Turkish Airlines offers the widest onward connections. Air Arabia is the budget option on the routes it flies.
Is there a budget airline from the UAE to Europe?
Air Arabia reaches several European cities including London Gatwick from Sharjah, and flydubai serves parts of Eastern and Southern Europe. Both are hand-baggage-focused, so add bags at booking.