Dubai is one of the busiest hotspots in the world, whether that be for people coming and going or for cargo. It boasts one of the busiest international airports, and that comes as no surprise given its prime location. This makes it a hub for some of the most popular plane routes both within Dubai and flying out of Dubai as well. On a daily basis, there are short and long-haul flights happening to and from major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Dubai is an excellent spot to travel to as well as from the major cities around the world, and even if you aren’t planning on visiting Dubai as your main destination, we would recommend that you take full advantage of its stopover amenities, especially if you are on a long-haul flight. And why not make the experience all the more luxurious by hiring a private jet charter for a short trip near Dubai? With such a busy and thriving international airport, you can breeze through security and spend more time in duty-free, just as you deserve, and focus on reaching your holiday destination, which is just waiting for you.

Here are some of the most popular plane routes in and around Dubai, whether for leisure and holiday or for work and economic reasons.

Dubai to London

One of the most popular routes that operate from the UAE is the one between Dubai and London. Some of the biggest airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates, offer frequent direct flights between Dubai and London's Heathrow Airport.

To give you an idea of how frequent these are, the flights operate several times in a single day and on a daily basis. The flight itself consists of around seven to eight hours, making it a long-haul flight, but one that is evidently travelled on frequently, whether that be your final destination or a transit stop, as we mentioned before.

Both London and Dubai are major cities that are popular tourist destinations. People visit London to see the iconic landmarks, shop at exclusive stores such as Harrods, and experience a winter (or summer!) like no other.

Dubai is a popular place for those perhaps trying to escape the winter blues. Lounging on the beach, visiting the Gold Souk market, and basking in the warm sun are just a few of the reasons that tourists love to visit Dubai.

In economic terms, too, there is a high volume of trade and investment between the UK and UAE, resulting in many business trips between London and Dubai.

Dubai to Mumbai

Mumbai is another destination where numerous flights operate both to and from Dubai. In comparison with the long seven- to eight-hour flight from Dubai to London, Mumbai is a much shorter two-hour flight, and airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai and Indian airlines are some of the most popular ones to fly with.

This route is particularly busy because of the number of ex-pats living in Dubai, so travelling back and forth to visit family and friends who are only a short flight away is quite common. With it being a short-haul flight, there are quite a few budget-friendly airlines that offer affordable rates, making it an even more accessible route.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is located just 1.5 hours from Dubai, and it is a popular destination if you want to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. 

With that short of a flight time, you can really take a day trip if you wanted, or even an extended holiday for a week or so, spending your days exploring the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, Ferrari World theme park, and Yas Waterworld waterpark located on Yas Island.

The scenic Abu Dhabi Corniche and Emirates Palace are also must-see attractions, where you can spend hours walking, dining, and enjoying the view. With many luxury resorts, Abu Dhabi is also a perfect beach getaway destination from Dubai.

Dubai to Muscat

The capital city of Oman, Muscat, is a popular weekend and vacation destination from Dubai, just a 1-hour flight away. Muscat is known for its scenic natural beauty, with beaches, deserts, and mountains, as well as a historic old city, which is a must-see at least once in your lifetime.

Popular places to visit include the Royal Opera House Muscat, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq market, Al Alam Palace, Bait Al Zubair museum and Nizwa Fort, just a few of the wonders of the world, all in one place!

You can spend days watching dolphins, diving, and going on desert adventures, meaning there’s sure to be an activity for everyone to enjoy. The luxury resorts along Muscat’s coastline also make it an attractive beach getaway destination, so even if you’re only transiting through Dubai, it may be worth extending your stay to see the neighbouring sights and countries!