NOW BOARDING: YOUR CAMERA ROLL494 TRIP IDEAS421 LAYOVER GUIDES137 FLIGHTS LOGGEDGATE CHANGES AUTO-SYNC TO YOUR WALLET
Emirates · Route guide

Dubai to London Gatwick Flight Route: Emirates (EK)

Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

1 airline on this route · 2x Daily (Seasonal)

Book with Borderly • Powered by Duffel

Fly to Destination, booked directly.

Real-time seat availability, live baggage options, and transparent fares across 400+ airlines.

Explore all flight routes →
Compare fares

Every fare, side by side.

Metasearch across hundreds of agencies and airlines for DXB–LGW.

Airline

Emirates (EK)

Aircraft

Airbus A350

Service

2x Daily (Seasonal)

Region

Europe

The route

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.
Book this route

Plot the course, then fly it.

Live fares from Origin to Destination across 400+ airlines, booked directly with Borderly.

One-way from

$469

Indicative fare via Duffel, ~6 weeks out

Fly it once. Keep it forever.

Drop your DXB–LGW boarding pass into Borderly and this route joins your travel map, stats, and badges automatically.

Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Dubai International (DXB)

DXB
Check-in
Check in at Terminal 3, which is exclusively for Emirates flights, at least 3 hours before departure.
Security
Utilize Smart Gates for faster immigration if you are a UAE resident or from an eligible visa-on-arrival country.
Connections
Easily accessible via the Dubai Metro Red Line and 24/7 taxi services.
Arrival

London Gatwick (LGW)

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.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & 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.
  • 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.

Peak season

June to August and December

Shoulder season

September to October and April to May

Off-peak season

January to February (excluding festival dates)

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Destination and Origin, through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination

  1. 01

    Spring (March to May)

    Mild weather in London and excellent for sightseeing before the summer crowds arrive.

  2. 02

    Winter (December)

    High demand due to holiday travel; book early to secure seats on the A350.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

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.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route

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
Carriers

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.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Origin to Destination.

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.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

Structured data verified
Your travel vault

Flown DXB to LGW? Keep it.

Add your boarding pass for this route to your Borderly profile!

Three steps

  1. 1Enter your flight number on the Borderly platform for real-time stats.
  2. 2Sync your Emirates booking with travel tracking apps.
  3. 3Monitor Gatwick Airport's live arrival boards for gate assignments.
Download on the App Store
iOS App