United Airlines will not resume direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dubai until March 2027, the airline announced, extending a suspension that began in February. The decision comes amid persistent security concerns in the Middle East and current "Reconsider Travel" advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State for both the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
In March, a United flight en route to Dubai was forced to turn back to Newark after Iran closed its airspace following an Israeli attack on Iran. This incident, coupled with broader regional instability, led United to issue a travel warning for flights in the Middle East. The airline also suspended its route from San Francisco to Tel Aviv in late February but plans to resume flights between Newark and Tel Aviv on September 8.
Despite the lifting of Dubai International Airport's restriction on foreign airlines to one daily flight per airline on May 31, carriers remain cautious. Several other international airlines, including Air Canada and British-based Virgin Atlantic, have also delayed the return of their services to Dubai, with some not anticipating resumption until early 2027.
United Airlines has stated that customers affected by flight cancellations scheduled between October 24, 2026, and March 27, 2027, will receive full refunds. For travelers still wishing to reach Dubai, United suggests booking with its partner airline, Emirates, which continues to offer nonstop flights from several major U.S. hubs, including Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston.
Last year, Dubai was a popular destination for American tourists, with over 1.4 million visitors, representing 7% of the city's overnight stays. The airline previously operated a daily flight, UA164, from Newark's Terminal C to Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3.