Dubai has become one of the busiest and most important travel hubs in the world, thanks in part to its location between east and west. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has more than 92 million travellers passing through each year, making it the world’s second-busiest airport by passenger traffic. It’s the hub for Dubai carrier Emirates, but also hosts flights from some 100 other carriers, connecting to more than 240 destinations worldwide. With so much choice, which airline is best to fly with? We’ve got you covered with all the insider info.
1. Qatar Airways
Top customer service, generous seat spaces, quality blankets and pillows, surprisingly good inflight meals and free unlimited wifi (even in economy) are just some of the reasons Qatar Airways is consistently voted one of the world’s best airlines. If you’re lucky enough to fly Business Class, even more treats await – when transferring in Doha, the experience starts at the Hamad International Airport at the lavish Al Mourjan lounge, with a gym, games room, showers, restaurant, and a children’s nursery so parents can take a break pre-flight. On the plane the Qsuites have fully lie-flat beds with sliding doors and do no disturb features and a travel bag of Diptyque products.
2. Singapore Airlines
When it comes to flying to Dubai, Singapore Airlines stands out thanks to its comfort, reliability and service. It has spacious Economy seats with generous reclines and warm towels (even in economy). The crew are trained for more than four months on hospitality for unparalleled service in the air. Meals are surprisingly good, with an emphasis on Asian and Western flavours.
The entertainment is also strong – KrisWorld has some 1,800 movies, shows and games. Baggage allowances are also generous (30kg allowance for checked-in luggage in economy) and the airline has a good on-time arrival record. If you want a little more luxury, the first-class cabins won’t disappoint – they’re private spaces with fully closed doors, a bed and a separate recliner.
3. Emirates
The city's flagship airline prides itself on offering luxury in the skies, even in economy – baggage allowances are up to 35kg, free wifi messaging, and delicious gourmet meals feature Arabic and international cuisine. It also has a chock-a-block entertainment system with more than 6,500 channels available. If flying in First Class, some routes have onboard showers and full bars. Thoughtful extras for families include free toys and activity packs.
4. Virgin Atlantic
The hip British carrier is a fun choice when flying to Dubai, with colorful cabins, mood lighting, and upbeat service. Economy seats come in various configurations Light, Classic, and Delight; the latter has 34 inches of legroom. Even the most basic class has nice pillows, large, fluffy blankets and free snacks including popcorn, cookies and retro Love Heart sweets before landing. Meals highlight UK producers and classic dishes like chicken tikka, drinks and signature cocktails are free. Kids enjoy backpacks filled with games and colouring books. Entertainment systems are stocked with hand-chosen movies, with an emphasis on British-made greats. Bathrooms include premium REN toiletries and their Upper Class cabin has fully flat beds that make for a glamorous and comfortable travel space.
5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is all about elegance and efficiency. Economy seats are roomy with 32-inches of legroom and decent reclines. Meal options are a nod to the airline’s Hong Kong roots, with dishes like braised pork with rice, served with premium desserts like Häagen-Dazs ice cream. The crew are delightfully professional and passengers in economy can request items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, eye masks, and flight socks on long-haul flights. Kids get activity books and soft toys. There are free-flowing drinks in the air and mid-flight snacks include noodles and sandwiches. The airline is particularly punctual and clean, and tries to maintain quiet cabins. Its Hong Kong lounges are a bonus if transiting, especially The Pier, which has spa-like showers.
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
Flying Tokyo airline ANA is all about meticulous Japanese service, and details – like the mouthwash and face mist in the bathrooms (usually in business class). Economy class has a generous 34-inches of legroom and meals typically have a Western or Japanese choice (think simmered beef with rice or pasta in tomato basil sauce). Snacks such as rice crackers, fresh fruit and green tea are complimentary on long haul flights. Children get free toys and activity kits. The carrier is known for their punctuality.
7. Turkish Airlines
Economy class is very generous with Turkish, which typically offers 30kg of check in baggage and between 31-33 inches of legroom and a recline of 6 inches. Even in coach, passengers are welcomed with traditional Turkish delight and a refreshing hot towel before takeoff and they get an amenity kit on long haul, with socks, a sleep mask, toothbrush, toothpaste and lip balm in it. The food is also far better than many of the airline’s competitors, with dishes like grilled kebabs, eggplant moussaka, grilled chicken with bulgur and baklava sweets. Business Class is comfortable and spacious, with lie-flat beds and aisle access. It’s also often better value for money than its competitors, if you’re looking to fly business on a budget.
8. British Airways
British Airways offers a classic, dependable route to Dubai with comfortable seating and good customer service. Economy seats come with 31-inches of legroom, adjustable headrests, and a good amount of recline. Meals range from chicken tikka masala to pasta primavera, accompanied by free drinks. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with hand cream and face mist. Mid-flight snacks like crisps and chocolate are free and there’s an extensive entertainment library with movies available in multiple languages. Kids get Skyflyer activity packs, with crayons, cards, an eye mask and socks, plus sometimes soft toys. Business Class has lie-flat beds and First Class has private suites.
9. Air France
Choose Air France for a little Parisian charm. Meals are typically French with selections like boeuf bourguignon and French pastries. Free drinks are served with meals, and snacks include madeleines and cheese. Staff are polished and attentive and some bathrooms have Clarins hand lotion. Economy seats have a generous 32-inches of legroom, plus soft pillows and warm blankets. Dubai is one of the short list of cities that is serviced by the La Première cabin and superior service, which provides A-list attention at every stage of your journey and a completely private area on-board with a lie-flat bed. Children are offered age-specific travel kits, containing things like pencils and puzzles.
10. Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss is a fine choice to fly to Dubai, with efficient and warm crew and generous seat pitches, even in economy, with 32-inches of legroom. International meals are good quality, with dishes like roast chicken with polenta or vegetarian risotto. Swiss chocolates are snacks handed out mid-flight. Cabins are well-kept and bathrooms come stocked with refreshing facial wipes and hand lotion. The Business and First Class options are comfortable and chic, with luxury amenities. Children get free colouring kits and games when they board.
