After a Decade: Austrian Airlines Returns to Dubai with a Unique Winter Experiment

Austrian Airlines returns to Dubai after a hiatus of about ten years, through an experimental initiative called "Dubai Deal" to be held from December 2025 to March 2026.

Starting December 1, the company will operate five weekly flights from Vienna to Dubai using its new A320neo fleet, with prices starting at only 314 euros for a round-trip ticket.

Instead of operating the route with long-range aircraft, Austrian chose the efficient A320neo planes, a move that allows it to utilize excess capacity during winter and offer travelers a highly affordable alternative.

The result: savings on ticket prices, along with full Austrian Melangerie service, although without personal entertainment systems.

According to the company's CEO, Annette Mann, the move aims to attract travelers looking for an attractive winter destination: “We want to make Dubai an affordable destination for vacationers seeking a reasonable winter holiday, whether for shopping, sightseeing, or just warm sunshine. A plane in the air is always better than one on the ground, so we are testing a new model that will challenge the market.”

The flights will operate on a fixed schedule throughout the trial period: Flight OS89 will depart Vienna at 18:55 and arrive in Dubai at 03:40, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return flight, OS90, will leave Dubai at 06:05 and arrive in Vienna at 09:25.

Dubai. Photo: Soft landing or grand take-off? After a decade: Austrian Airlines bets on a unique winter experiment in the glittering city

Prices from Vienna-

Economy Light: starting at 314 euros, including a carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg.

Economy Classic: starting at 374 euros, including a suitcase up to 23 kg.

European Business Class: starting at 699 euros, including DO & CO service, two suitcases, two carry-on bags, and an empty middle seat.

Will the experiment become a permanent route? That depends on demand and economic performance. Meanwhile, the company is also increasing capacity to other popular winter destinations like Mauritius, Malé in the Maldives, and two daily flights to Bangkok.