The UAE has become the second most favored winter sun destination for British travelers, with over 1,000 flights, according to global aviation data provider OAG.
The Canary Islands lead as the top choice for UK travelers from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with 3,685 flights, followed by the UAE (1,006 flights), Morocco (952), Egypt (796), Cyprus (348), Portugal (245), Barbados (240), Mexico (146), Cape Verde (138), and the USA (128).
“This Christmas, the Canary Islands are the primary destination for Brits leaving the UK, with over three times more flights than to the second-most popular destination, the UAE,” noted OAG.
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Many tourists from the UK and other European nations visit the UAE, especially Dubai, during Christmas and New Year to enjoy the pleasant climate.
The UAE’s airlines, which serve all major UK destinations, increase their flight frequencies during festive and holiday periods to meet the rising passenger demand.
Notably, Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also announced direct flights to London Gatwick, marking a significant expansion in the budget carrier’s global reach.
The new service, starting on March 29, 2026, will operate twice daily, offering travelers more options between the UAE and the UK.
For British travelers seeking winter sun, Dubai International (DXB) will handle 776 flights between December 20 and January 4, ranking third after Tenerife Sur Airport (Canary Islands) and Lanzarote Airport (Spain).
Other airports expecting a high influx of British tourists during Christmas include Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Marrakech, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Agadir, and Funchal.
According to Dubai Airports, London was the top city with 2.8 million passengers, while the UK ranked third with 4.6 million travelers in the country category at DXB during the first nine months of the year.
“Dubai International (DXB), with 776 flights, remains the top long-haul choice and the second most frequent destination overall. Despite trailing the Canaries in total volume, it stands out as the only non-European location among the top UK winter sun travel spots,” stated OAG in its report.
