UAE airlines are expanding in 2026 with new routes, more flights and stronger partnerships, reinforcing the country's position as a global aviation hub.
Emirates is expanding its network by launching a daily Dubai–Helsinki service from October 1, the only year-round direct flight between the UAE and Finland. The airline has also increased capacity with a second daily flight to Copenhagen and additional daily services to Phuket and Cape Town to meet growing demand.
Etihad Airways has expanded its network with new destinations including Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar, while restoring seasonal flights to several Mediterranean cities. It also plans to launch services to six African destinations and increase summer capacity by 10%.
Flydubai, which serves more than 120 destinations in 58 countries, has added Benghazi and Bangkok, resumed flights to Aleppo, and will launch daily services to Pokhara later this year, continuing its focus on connecting underserved markets.
Air Arabia has expanded with new flights to London Gatwick and Rome, while Air Arabia Abu Dhabi added Aleppo and Amman Civil Airport and increased services to Damascus.
UAE airlines are also boosting global connectivity through partnerships. As of March 2026, Emirates' 32 codeshare and 117 interline partners provide access to more than 1,700 destinations, while its partnership with flydubai connects passengers to over 240 destinations in 100+ countries.
Etihad has strengthened its global reach through new partnerships with Uzbekistan Airways and Air Peace, expanding access across Nigeria, West and Central Africa. Its network now includes 46 codeshare and more than 130 interline partners, offering connections to over 350 destinations worldwide.
Driven by strong year-round travel demand, UAE airlines continue to reinforce the country's position as a leading global aviation and transit hub.
