Dubai to London Gatwick Flight Route: Emirates (EK)
Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: timing, airlines, and insider tips.
2x Daily (Seasonal)
Flown by Emirates (EK)
The flight route from Dubai International (DXB) to London Gatwick (LGW) is a vital link between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Operated by Emirates, this route offers a streamlined alternative for travelers heading to South London, Sussex, and the surrounding regions, bypassing the congestion of Heathrow. Featuring the modern Airbus A350 on selected frequencies, this path provides a premium experience for both business and leisure passengers.
This route connects the global aviation hub of Dubai with Gatwick's North Terminal. As a 2x daily seasonal service, it caters to high-demand periods, providing seamless connectivity for passengers traveling from Asia, Africa, and Oceania through the Dubai hub to the United Kingdom.
“London Gatwick serves as a major gateway for travelers who value efficiency and proximity to the southern UK. By offering a direct link from Dubai, Emirates provides a crucial connection for tourism and trade, particularly during peak seasons when travel between these two global cities reaches its height.”
Airline
Emirates (EK)
Region
Europe
Aircraft
Airbus A350
Service
2x Daily (Seasonal)
Airports
Landing and taking off
Departure
Dubai International (DXB)
Check-In
Check in at Terminal 3, which is exclusively for Emirates flights, at least 3 hours before departure.
Connections
Easily accessible via the Dubai Metro Red Line and 24/7 taxi services.
Security
Utilize Smart Gates for faster immigration if you are a UAE resident or from an eligible visa-on-arrival country.
Arrival
London Gatwick (LGW)
On Arrival
Emirates flights typically arrive at the North Terminal; follow signs for the inter-terminal shuttle if you need the South Terminal.
Ground Transport
The Gatwick Express departs from the South Terminal, taking you to London Victoria in 30 minutes.
Planning Ahead
Ensure you have your UK ETA or Visa documentation ready for inspection at the border control kiosks.
Booking, timing and fares
Timing & Reliability
Schedule. Morning and afternoon departures from Dubai are standard for this route.
Duration. Average flight time is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Seasonality. Frequency often increases during the summer months and winter holiday periods.
Time Zones. London is 4 hours behind Dubai during GST and 3 hours behind during BST.
Fares & Booking
Booking Window. Lowest fares are typically found 90-120 days before departure.
Cabin Advice. The A350 features the newest cabin products; aim for these flights for maximum comfort.
Peak Pricing. Prices spike significantly during the Dubai Shopping Festival and UK school holidays.
Peak
June to August and December
Shoulder
September to October and April to May
Off-Peak
January to February (excluding festival dates)
- Book at least 12 weeks in advance for the best seasonal rates.
- Consider the afternoon flight to arrive in London during the evening for better jet lag management.
- Use Emirates' official app to track A350 seat availability in the premium economy cabin.
Search Flights
Want tours and activities at either end?
Book vetted tours and experiences through our travel partner.
Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination
Spring (March to May)
Mild weather in London and excellent for sightseeing before the summer crowds arrive.
Winter (December)
High demand due to holiday travel; book early to secure seats on the A350.
Trip Planning
Who this route suits
Best For
Leisure Travelers
Gatwick offers easy access to the UK's south coast and tourist attractions in Sussex.
Business Professionals
The 2x daily schedule allows for flexible meeting planning in London's financial districts.
Students
Direct links to major university hubs via Gatwick's extensive rail network.
Connections & Alternatives
Sydney (SYD)
Popular long-haul connection via Dubai hub for travelers from Australia to the UK.
Bangkok (BKK)
A high-volume connection for leisure travelers heading from SE Asia to London.
Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route
Good to Know
Visa & Entry
- UK citizens receive a visa on arrival in the UAE for up to 30 days.
- UAE citizens require a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying.
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your date of entry.
Airport Transfers
- The Gatwick Express is the fastest way to reach Central London from the airport.
- Pre-booked private hire cars are often cheaper than airport taxis for trips to the suburbs.
- National Express coaches provide direct links from Gatwick to other UK cities like Brighton and Oxford.
Baggage & Transit
- Emirates baggage allowance varies by fare class; check your ticket for specific weight limits.
- Gatwick security is strict regarding liquids; ensure all items are in a clear, resealable bag.
- Dubai transit passengers should allow 90 minutes for gate connections if arriving from another flight.
Checklist
- Confirm UK ETA status
- Download Gatwick's official passenger app
- Pack a universal power adapter for UK Type G outlets
- Pre-book Gatwick Express tickets online to save money
Airlines Flying Origin to Destination
Emirates (EK)
Twice daily service, subject to seasonal scheduling changes.
Utilizes the Airbus A350 and occasionally Boeing 777-300ER depending on capacity needs.
Common questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to London Gatwick?
The average flight duration is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 3,420 miles.
Does Emirates fly the Airbus A350 to Gatwick?
Yes, Emirates has introduced the Airbus A350 on the DXB-LGW route for selected daily frequencies.
Which terminal does Emirates use at Gatwick?
Emirates operates from the North Terminal at London Gatwick Airport.
Is the DXB to LGW route seasonal?
Yes, while flights operate year-round, the frequency is adjusted seasonally with peak demand periods seeing 2x daily service.
How many daily flights are there from DXB to LGW?
Emirates typically operates up to 2 daily flights on this route during high-demand seasons.
Borderly
Fly this route? Track it.
Log this flight in your Borderly travel vault, earn badges, and see how your miles stack up.
Explore more
Structured data verifiedCountries & Layovers
Other Routes on Emirates
Back to EmiratesYour Travel Vault
Track Ek Dxb Lgw
Upload your Origin to Destination boarding pass and keep every flight organized in your Borderly travel vault.
- Enter your flight number on the Borderly platform for real-time stats.
- Sync your Emirates booking with travel tracking apps.
- Monitor Gatwick Airport's live arrival boards for gate assignments.
Keep every boarding pass, route, and milestone in one place.
Saily eSIMBorderly AI