Dubai-US flights: United Airlines resumes service for first time in seven years

The new service was launched as part of the agreement between United and Emirates Airlines signed in 2022. The first direct flight took off from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dubai, on Saturday. This marks the first direct flight from New Jersey to Dubai since its cessation seven years ago.

The new agreement aims to give travellers access to destinations in the United States and all around the world.

Passengers originating from the United States and travelling to Dubai now have the option to connect to more than 100 different cities in the Middle East through Emirates or its sister airline flydubai. Similarly, those travelling from Dubai to New York can benefit from United’s onward connections to over 80 destinations throughout the US.

“At United, we’re committed to expanding and enhancing our network to give our customers the best access to destinations around the world – all while having a best-in-class travel experience,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. 

“Our new service between New York/Newark and Dubai, along with our new partnership with Emirates and flydubai, makes it even easier for customers to travel to Dubai or connect to any of the hundred destinations offered by our partners across Africa, the Middle East and Asia,” he added.

“We are thrilled to welcome United Airlines back to Dubai International (DXB) with the launch of their new non-stop daily service from New York/Newark,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports.

“The new service enhances DXB’s connectivity with the United States, reinforcing our position as a leading global hub, and enabling us to offer our guests greater access to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond. We look forward to continuing our partnership with United to deliver a seamless experience for hundreds of thousands of flyers each year while providing them with more choice and travel options,” he added.

“As global tourism continues to recover rapidly, Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations for U.S. travellers seeking to explore the excitement, heritage and culture of the Middle East,” said Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

“The new non-stop route between New York/Newark and Dubai will ferry thousands of business people, tourists, goods, and families between these global centres of trade and commerce, further deepening and expanding the connections between our two countries,” said Sean Murphy, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to the U.A.E.

Flights resumed

The airline’s 2023 summer schedule includes adding flights to Malaga, Spain, Stockholm, Sweden, Rome, Naples, Paris, Barcelona, London, Edinburgh, Berlin and more.

Travellers will have access to 50 all-aisle-access United Polaris business suites, 24 United Premium PlusSM premium economy, 46 Economy PlusSM and 156 economy seats on the Boeing 777-200ER.