Where to travel in 2023: 15 new flight routes from the UAE
Where to travel in 2023: 15 new flight routes from the UAE
Get inspired for your 2023 travels…
Already thinking about where those long weekends in 2023 will take you? Whether it’s a city break, beach escape or a bucket list destination, with two thirds of the world accessible within an eight-hour flight of the UAE, there’s plenty of exploring to be done. And as regional airlines add more flight routes, those new places just keep getting closer.
Here’s 15 exciting new flight routes launching in 2023 to inspire where you travel this year.
Now flying
Abu Dhabi to Ankara, Turkey with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
Almost two years to the day after launching, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi added another destination to its exceptionally low fare airline. As of January 19, you can fly from the UAE capital to the gastronomic city of Ankara in Turkey every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Bargain priced fares start from Dhs149. But a trip to Ankara isn’t just about food, glorious food, this cosmopolitan capital in the central Anatolia region is well known for its incredible retail therapy, as well as its cultural institutions. It’s a renowned center for the performing arts, home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and several national theater companies.
wizzair.com
Dubai to Krabi, Thailand with flydubai
Say Sawasdee kha to one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, as flydubai added a daily flight to Krabi from January 20. The daily flight from Dubai to Krabi takes 6 hours and 20 minutes, landing travellers in a haven of natural beauty, where rugged beaches and dense mangrove forests provide a picturesque backdrop for adventure. Return flights start from Dhs3,000.
flydubai.com
Dubai to Pattaya, Thailand with flydubai
As of January 20, flydubai has added another direct flight to Thailand to its ever-growing network, with a daily flight from DXB to Pattaya. Distinguished by its resorts and hotels that overlook Pattaya Bay and its lively atmosphere, this beach resort is a two-hour drive from Bangkok, so on a longer trip it’s the perfect opportunity to tick two cities off in one go. Return flights start from Dhs2,850.
flydubai.com
Dubai to Milan, Italy with flydubai
One of two new Italian flight routes flydubai will introduce in 2023 is Milan. As of March 10, 2023, travellers can take advantage of five weekly flights to the fashionable Italian city. This will increase to a daily service in the summer. Due to its geographical location, Milan is known as the economic heart of Italy and the leading financial centre. But there’s much more to Milan. The culturally rich city offers a quaint mix of historical and modern architecture and is famous for its natural beauty, impressive array of museums and galleries, and treasured cafés and restaurants that serve up local food and warm hospitality in equal measure.
flydubai.com
Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Air Arabia
Air Arabia resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city on March 20. Right now, there’s three weekly flights from Sharjah International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, but the frequency will increase to daily in June 2023. If you’re a first timer to the Malaysian capital, its food scene is pretty much unrivaled, with delicious street eats around every corner. But a trip to Kuala Lumpur isn’t complete without marvelling at the skyline from a stunning rooftop, a night out on the famed Changkat Bukit Bintang street, or putting your glutes through their paces with a stair climb at the Batu Caves. Return flights start at Dhs2,400 for economy seats.
airarabia.com
Launching soon
Abu Dhabi to Kolkata, India with Etihad
From March 26, 2023, Etihad Airways will fly daily on the Abu Dhabi to Kolkata route, providing a total of seven weekly nonstop services to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). The flights will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, with eight seats in business class and 150 in economy.
etihad.com
Abu Dhabi to Santorini, Greece with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
Santorini is one of Greece’s most romantic spots, and for the last two summers, a number of UAE airlines have flown to this sought-after spot. For 2023, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will reinstate its flights to Santorini from June 2, with a bi-weekly flight on Monday and Friday, perfect for long weekends. With impossibly low fares priced from Dhs179 return, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy one of Greece’s finest isles. 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.
wizzair.com
Abu Dhabi to Mykonos, Greece with Etihad
Although this is a returning summer route rather than a new one, it’s worth a mention. From June 16, Etihad will return with two weekly flights to the charismatic Greek island of Mykonos. 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. The flight will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.
etihad.com
Abu Dhabi to Malaga, Spain with Etihad
On June 18, flights to the Spanish city of Malaga will resume for the summer. The bi-weekly flight on Wednesdays and Sundays 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.
etihad.com
Abu Dhabi to Lisbon, Portugal with Etihad
One of Western Europe’s oldest cities is having a renaissance, and has firmly established itself as a destination for culinary connoisseurs. This summer, you’ll be able to enjoy direct access to Lisbon thanks to Etihad from June 18. Just in time for fun-filled summer holidays, the thrice weekly flight will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, with fares from Dhs2,595.
etihad.com
Dubai to Cagliari, Sardinia with flydubai
If you’re thinking about summer travel and can’t decide between city and beach, Cagliari is the capital city of Sardinia and is famed for its beautiful historical monuments and stunning beaches. You’ll be able to fly to this blissfully beautiful isle three times per week thanks to flydubai from June 22, 2023.
flydubai.com
Dubai to Corfu, Greece with flydubai
The Greek island of Corfu has become popular for its stunning landscapes, rich multi-cultural heritage, crystal-clear seas and cosmopolitan Old Town. It will become the newest destination on flydubai’s impressive roster of flight routes from Dubai to Greece when it launches in the summer. From June 24, 2023 there will be a bi-weekly flight from DXB to Corfu, with return fares from Dhs2,600.
flydubai.com
Abu Dhabi to Larnaca, Cyprus with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s budget airline, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, will take off for Larnaca, Cyprus, from Monday July 3. Thereafter, there will be a thrice weekly flight to the Cypriot coastal city throughout the summer, with wallet-friendly fares from Dhs179. Larnaca is a 600-year old coastal city in Cyprus known for its beautiful palm tree-lined beaches, gorgeous weather, famous salt lake, and ancient gems. The island is split into Turkish and Greek halves, which means you can dip into two separate cultures in the one trip. If you’re into diving, be sure to check out the Zenobia shipwreck in Larnaca – it’s said to be one of the best dive sites in the world.
wizzair.com
Abu Dhabi to Copenhagen, Denmark with Etihad
Thinking about a nice autumnal city break? Why not consider Copenhagen, with Etihad launching flights to the Danish capital from October 1? Serviced by a four times weekly flight using the best-in-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the flight takes you to one of Scandanaia’s most popular tourist spots. Famous for its colourful canals, café culture and attractions including Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in the world, there’s a reason it’s dubbed Europe’s cosiest capital.
etihad.com
Abu Dhabi to Düsseldorf, Germany with Etihad
Etihad Airways returns to the German city of Düsseldorf from October 1 with a thrice weekly service. Again operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, Düsseldorf is being relaunched and will be the airline’s third city in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich, both currently served with daily flights. The city lies on the banks of the Rhine River and is renowned for its world-class shopping and thriving arts, fashion and music scene.