Out of office: On
Whether you’re planning a long-weekend escape or a sun-soaked summer holiday once school ends, we’re gearing up for a busy summer travel period from the UAE. And if you’re wondering where to travel from the UAE this season, we’ve got all the details on the new and returning flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to inspire where you go.
Here are 12 summer flight routes to plan trips around this season.
From May 23: Bodrum, Turkey from Dubai with flydubai
If you’ve got Turkey on your mind, then you can enjoy seasonal flights to Bodrum – the gateway to the Turkish Riviera lined with luxurious hotels, ritzy restaurants and designer bars – from May 23 until September 13 thanks to flydubai, with one-way fares from Dhs1,911. For May, June and September, the flight will operate five times per week, increasing to a daily service through the peak summer months of July and August.
From May 23: Tivat, Montenegro from Dubai with flydubai
A four times weekly flight from DXB will take you straight into the picturesque coastal town of Tivat, Montenegro, from May 23 until September 4. One of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, its small size allows you to easily navigate between the key attractions, from boat rides around the bay to strolls through historic towns or Kotor and Perast or evenings in the elegant marina of Porto Montenegro. Fares start from Dhs2,282 for a one-way ticket.
From May 24: Mykonos, Greece from Dubai with flydubai and Abu Dhabi with Etihad
From May 24, flydubai returns to the charismatic Greek island of Mykonos with four flights a week until September 6, while Etihad also adds Mykonos to its flight network from June 19, operating twice weekly through the summer. As much a hedonistic party spot with its celeb-filled beach clubs, dazzling entertainment and array of restaurant as it is a magnet for those seeking history and culture, it’s one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations.
From June 12: Mallorca, Spain from Abu Dhabi with Etihad
From June 12, this thrice-weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Palma de Mallorca becomes the only direct air route between the island and Asia. The seasonal route will run from June 12 until mid-September, and is a gateway not just to Mallorca, but also Ibiza and the wider Balearic Islands. The new flight route will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, inviting guests to enjoy sun-drenched summers while exploring Spain’s golden beaches, crystalline waters, and vibrant food and culture.
From June 15: Krakow, Poland from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways
Etihad lands in Krakow, Poland on June 15, and will fly there three times per week until September 5. The National Carrier’s second destination in Poland follows the successful launch of flights to Warsaw last June. Visitors to Krakow can look forward to exploring Gothic towers, Renaissance palaces and lively cafe culture. One-way fares start from Dhs1,790.
From June 15: Corfu, Greece from Dubai with flydubai
Also returning on May 23 thanks to flydubai will be a bi-weekly flight to the Greek hotspot of Corfu, running until August 31. The Greek island of Corfu has become popular for its stunning landscapes, rich multi-cultural heritage, crystal-clear seas and cosmopolitan Old Town.
From June 15: Malaga, Spain with Etihad
On June 15, Etihad’s flights to the Spanish city of Malaga will resume for the summer, with fares from Dhs2,290 return. This year, the Abu Dhabi-based airline is adding flights to Malaga three times per week, giving you several options for your sun-soaked Spanish getaway. Malaga provides a gateway to the Costa Del Sol, the province of Andalucia, an electrifying world of passion cuisine, pristine beaches, coastal adventures, Iberian soirees filled with out-out fuego, and unlimited portions of paella, live at the source.
From June 16: Santorini, Greece from Abu Dhabi with Etihad
Santorini is one of Greece’s most romantic spots, and for the last three summers, a number of UAE airlines have flown to this sought-after spot. For 2026, Etihad will reinstate its flights to Santorini from June 16, with a bi-weekly flight on Tuesday and Saturday, taking you to the Cyclades dream in just over four and a half hours. This island is best enjoyed by walking the winding, petal-lined streets, for bucket-list views of bone-white buildings and the sprawling Aegean beyond.
From June 19: Nice, France from Abu Dhabi with Etihad
The UAE’s National Airline will return to the French Riviera in 2026, operating direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nice from June 19. The twice-weekly service will operate on Fridays and Sundays between Abu Dhabi and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport on a modern Boeing 787 aircraft, jetting you into the heart of the French Riviera in just under seven hours. Renowned for its famous waterfront, Nice boasts a scenic seven-kilometre walkway known as the ‘Promenade des Anglais’. The city was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Return fares start from Dhs2,190.
From June 26: Sochi, Russia from Dubai with flydubai
For summer sojourns to Sochi, a direct daily flight with flydubai takes off until the end of August, reducing to thrice weekly for the winter season. The coastal charms of this seaside resort make it an ideal destination for a beach break on the Black Sea, where golden sands, lush forests, flowing waterfalls, and striking mountain landscapes offer the most scenic of backdrops.
From June 27: Olbia, Sardinia, from Dubai with flydubai
You’ll be able to fly to the blissfully beautiful isle of Sardinia three times per week from June 27 until August 31 thanks to this returning flight route between Dubai and Olbia – making it the perfect choice for a long weekend. Olbia, on the north east coast, is known across the world thanks to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, and is home to famous resort towns including Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Whether you’re heading here for the city or the beach, it offers the best of both worlds.
From July 1: Rome, Italy from Sharjah with Air Arabia
La Dolce Vita gets one flight closer to Sharjah from July 1 as Air Arabia takes off for the Italian capital. The daily non-stop service further strengthens the airline’s growing European network and becomes the second Italian city to be served by Air Arabia, alongside Milan. Once in Rome, visitors can look forward to ticking off some of the city’s most awe-inspiring sights, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Direct flights start from Dhs849.
Images: Unsplash
