DUBAI — Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to welcome back two of Europe's biggest carriers in April 2026, as the temporary flight suspensions triggered by regional tensions begin to lift. Both Air France and Turkish Airlines — which together connect millions of travellers through Paris and Istanbul to Dubai — have signalled their intent to resume services at the start of next month.
The suspensions, which have been part of a broader pattern of widespread Middle East travel disruption, have complicated travel plans for thousands of passengers in the region. The anticipated resumptions mark a significant step toward restoring Dubai's status as one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.
Air France: Targeting April 2
Air France had progressively extended its Dubai suspension, with the most recent update indicating that flights departing from Dubai were suspended until April 1, 2026. The airline has set Thursday, April 2, 2026 as its planned restart date for services between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Dubai International (DXB).
For passengers with existing Air France bookings, the airline has been offering flexible rebooking options throughout the suspension period. Travellers who purchased tickets during the affected window are advised to:
- Check their booking status directly on the Air France website or app before making any connecting travel arrangements.
- Contact Air France customer support if their ticket falls within the extended suspension window to explore rebooking or refund options.
- Monitor the airline's official communications, as the April 2 date remains subject to regional conditions.
Turkish Airlines: April Target, Details Pending
Turkish Airlines, which suspended the majority of its Middle East services toward the end of March, has similarly targeted an April resumption for Dubai routes. The carrier's official website currently shows Dubai-bound flights available for booking in April 2026, though a precise restart date has not been publicly confirmed with the same specificity as Air France.
Turkish Airlines has offered passengers with tickets for travel between February 28 and April 30, 2026 a suite of flexible options:
- Free rebooking to a new date within the eligible window.
- Full refunds for passengers who no longer wish to travel.
- Extended ticket validity, allowing passengers to defer their travel plans without financial penalty.
Passengers should contact Turkish Airlines directly or visit their official website to exercise these flexible fare options before the April 30 window closes.
Other Airlines Still Assessing
Air France and Turkish Airlines are among the most high-profile resumptions, but several other international carriers have also been navigating the disruption. The aviation picture at DXB has been gradually improving, with Emirates and other home-based carriers having maintained more consistent operations throughout the period.
| Airline | Suspension Status | Target Resumption |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Suspended to April 1 | Thursday, April 2, 2026 |
| Turkish Airlines | Suspended to end of March | April 2026 (date TBC) |
Advice for Travellers Using DXB in April
Whether you are catching a connecting flight through Dubai or flying directly to DXB from Europe, the following precautions are strongly recommended given the still-evolving situation:
- Verify before you book: Do not assume that a flight appearing on a booking platform means the suspension has been fully lifted. Always cross-check with the airline's official website.
- Build in buffer time: Schedules may shift on short notice. Allow extra time between connecting flights where possible.
- Travel insurance: If you do not have comprehensive travel insurance that covers disruption due to geopolitical events, now is the time to get it.
- Follow official announcements: DXB updates flight status in real time at its official website and app.
Dubai's standing as a global aviation crossroads has proven remarkably resilient throughout this period, and the return of major European carriers in April is expected to significantly boost connectivity for both business and leisure travellers in the region.
