SINGAPORE– Singapore Airlines (SQ) has postponed the resumption of flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) until 1 March 2027. The airline has cancelled flights SQ494 and SQ495 through 28 February 2027, extending the suspension by almost three months from its previously planned 2 December 2026 restart.
With Singapore Airlines also planning to launch flights to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh on 28 March 2027, the carrier will remain absent from the Middle East for at least another four months. If the latest schedule holds, the Dubai route will resume approximately one year after the airline suspended operations in February 2026.
Singapore Airlines Extends Dubai Flight Suspension Again
Singapore Airlines announced the latest extension through an update to its Middle East travel advisory on 30 October 2026. The airline cited the ongoing “geopolitical situation in the Middle East” as the reason for keeping the two services suspended.
The updated advisory confirms that SQ494, operating from Singapore to Dubai, and SQ495, operating from Dubai to Singapore, will remain cancelled until 28 February 2027. The original advisory was published on 1 March 2026.
The latest extension covers another 89 days beyond the previous restart plan. It also removes almost the entire northern winter 2026/27 schedule, leaving only 27 days between 1 March and 27 March 2027 for the airline to operate the route during that season.
This marks the seventh planned restart date since Singapore Airlines suspended the service. Six earlier restart plans were abandoned as the geopolitical situation continued to disrupt airline operations across the region.
Singapore Airlines’ Dubai Suspension Timeline
| Date | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Singapore Airlines announced plans to deploy the Airbus A380 on Dubai flights from 29 March 2026. |
| 5 February 2026 | The airline confirmed year-round A380 operations on the route. |
| 28 February 2026 | Singapore Airlines suspended Dubai flights following military strikes and widespread Middle East airspace closures. |
| 20 March 2026 | The airline redeployed the planned Dubai A380 capacity to Melbourne. |
| 2 April 2026 | The restart was postponed to 1 June 2026, with a Boeing 777-300ER replacing the A380 for the planned summer operation. An earlier 30 April restart plan was also abandoned. |
| 1 May 2026 | The airline moved the planned restart to 3 August 2026 and removed First Class and Premium Economy sales for the winter schedule. |
| 15 July 2026 | Singapore Airlines extended cancellations through 24 October and confirmed the A350 Medium Haul for winter 2026/27. |
| 1 October 2026 | The airline extended cancellations through 1 December, with services expected to resume on 2 December. |
| 30 October 2026 | Singapore Airlines extended cancellations through 28 February 2027, moving the planned restart to 1 March 2027. |
Emirates Retains Its Singapore-Dubai Market
Emirates (EK) remains the only airline operating between Singapore and Dubai since Singapore Airlines suspended its services in February 2026.
The Dubai-based carrier currently operates four daily flights on the route, using two Airbus A380s and two Boeing 777-300ERs. This gives Emirates continued control of the nonstop Singapore-Dubai market while its competitor remains absent.
Provisional schedules show Emirates planning to increase its A380 deployment to three daily flights while reducing its Boeing 777-300ER operation to one daily service from late March 2027.
The planned fleet adjustment coincides with Singapore Airlines’ scheduled return to Dubai using its four-class Boeing 777-300ER. However, the actual deployment remains subject to further schedule changes, Mainly Miles reported.
Airbus A350 Medium Haul to Operate for Just 27 Days
Singapore Airlines plans to resume Dubai operations on 1 March 2027 using its two-class Airbus A350 Medium Haul. The aircraft is currently scheduled to operate the route until 27 March 2027, the final day of the northern winter 2026/27 season.
The A350 Medium Haul features 303 seats across two cabins. Its configuration includes 40 Business Class seats in the airline’s 2018 Regional layout and 263 Economy Class seats.
Unlike the four-class Boeing 777-300ER, the A350 does not offer First Class or Premium Economy. Passengers travelling during the initial 27-day operating period will therefore have only Business Class and Economy Class options.
Singapore Airlines Dubai Flight Schedule: March 2027
| Flight | Aircraft | Departure | Arrival | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ494 | Airbus A350 MH | SIN: 14:30 | DXB: 18:00 | 7 hours 30 minutes |
| SQ495 | Airbus A350 MH | DXB: 19:50 | SIN: 07:15 (+1 day) | 7 hours 25 minutes |
The schedule applies from 1 March through 27 March 2027. All timings are local.
Boeing 777-300ER Takes Over From 28 March 2027
Singapore Airlines plans to introduce the four-class Boeing 777-300ER on its Singapore-Dubai route from 28 March 2027, marking the beginning of the northern summer 2027 season.
The aircraft will restore all four cabin classes, including First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. The configuration includes four First Class seats, giving passengers access to the airline’s premium cabin products once again.
Singapore Airlines Dubai Flight Schedule: March to October 2027
| Flight | Aircraft | Departure | Arrival | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ494 | Boeing 777-300ER | SIN: 14:40 | DXB: 18:00 | 7 hours 20 minutes |
| SQ495 | Boeing 777-300ER | DXB: 19:45 | SIN: 07:30 (+1 day) | 7 hours 45 minutes |
The Boeing 777-300ER is also appearing in provisional schedule filings for the following northern winter 2027/28 season, covering 31 October 2027 through 25 March 2028.
This suggests Singapore Airlines does not currently plan to restore the Airbus A350 Medium Haul or Airbus A380 on the route during that winter season. The A380 is therefore unlikely to return before the end of March 2028, despite the airline’s earlier announcement of year-round superjumbo operations.
The revised plan represents a major change from the original strategy announced in January and February 2026, when Singapore Airlines intended to operate the Airbus A380 on the route throughout the year.
Singapore Airlines Riyadh Launch Remains Scheduled for March 2027
Singapore Airlines has not announced another change to its planned Riyadh service, which is scheduled to begin on 28 March 2027.
The airline plans to operate three weekly flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) using the Airbus A350 Medium Haul. The initial schedule covers Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Singapore Airlines Riyadh Flight Schedule
| Flight | Aircraft | Departure | Arrival | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ498 | Airbus A350 MH | SIN: 18:20 | RUH: 21:45 | 8 hours 25 minutes |
| SQ499 | Airbus A350 MH | RUH: 23:00 | SIN: 12:15 (+1 day) | 8 hours 15 minutes |
Provisional schedules indicate that Singapore Airlines plans to increase the Riyadh service from three to four flights per week beginning 31 October 2027, the start of the northern winter 2027/28 season.
This would restore the frequency originally planned when the airline announced the route in February 2026. If the schedule remains unchanged, Riyadh will reach its intended four-weekly operation approximately 17 months later than initially planned.
However, the regional security situation could affect the launch. The latest Dubai suspension extension comes amid reports of further Houthi attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including airports and oil facilities.
Although Singapore Airlines’ latest advisory does not specifically mention Riyadh, developments involving Saudi infrastructure could create additional uncertainty for the planned launch. The 28 March 2027 date remains in the airline’s published forward schedule, but it is not guaranteed.
Scoot Could Resume Middle East Flights Before Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary Scoot (TR) also continues to suspend its Middle East operations.
Flights TR796 from Singapore to Jeddah and TR797 from Jeddah to Singapore remain cancelled through 2 December 2026 under the airline’s existing advisory.
If Scoot resumes the service as scheduled, it will become the first airline within the Singapore Airlines Group to restore Middle East operations. Its Jeddah route could operate for approximately three months before Singapore Airlines resumes its Dubai service in March 2027.
However, the continued regional instability could affect Scoot’s planned December restart. The airline has not announced a further extension in the schedule information currently available.
Singapore Airlines Offers Refunds for Affected Dubai Passengers
Passengers holding Singapore Airlines tickets for SQ494 or SQ495 through 28 February 2027 can request a full refund of the unused portion of their tickets.
Customers who booked directly with Singapore Airlines can submit their requests through the airline’s Assistance Request Form. Passengers who purchased tickets through travel agents or partner airlines must contact their original booking provider for assistance.
The airline also recommends that passengers update their contact details through the Manage Booking section of its website to receive flight status notifications and other travel updates.
Customers who redeemed KrisFlyer miles for affected Dubai flights can expect the airline to contact them with available rebooking or refund options.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Redemption Rates for the Middle East
Singapore Airlines publishes different KrisFlyer redemption rates for Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class. The following are the one-way award rates for Singapore-Dubai and Singapore-Riyadh services.
| Cabin | Saver | Advantage | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 32,000 miles | 66,500 miles | 95,500 miles |
| Premium Economy | 51,500 miles | Not available | 74,000–91,000 miles |
| Business Class | 68,000 miles | 122,000 miles | 157,500–251,500 miles |
| First Class | 95,000 miles | 171,000 miles | 317,500 miles |
Premium Economy and First Class awards are relevant to the Dubai route from 28 March 2027, when the four-class Boeing 777-300ER is scheduled to replace the two-class A350 Medium Haul.
Taxes and fees apply in addition to the required KrisFlyer miles. Typical charges are approximately S$68 for travel from Singapore to Dubai or Riyadh, S$47 for Dubai to Singapore and S$58 for Riyadh to Singapore.
Singapore’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy also applies to redemptions made from 1 October 2026 for travel on or after 1 January 2027. New redemptions departing Singapore will therefore include an additional levy of S$25.60 in First and Business Class or S$6.40 in Premium Economy and Economy Class.
Singapore Airlines Faces a Longer Wait to Restore Its Middle East Network
Singapore Airlines’ latest decision means its Dubai route will remain suspended for approximately one year, leaving Emirates as the only operator on the nonstop Singapore-Dubai market during that period.
The carrier’s planned return will initially involve the two-class A350 Medium Haul for only 27 days before the four-class Boeing 777-300ER takes over. Provisional schedules also keep the 777 on the route through March 2028, making an Airbus A380 comeback unlikely in the near term.
The Riyadh launch remains scheduled for 28 March 2027, while Scoot could restore its Jeddah service in December 2026 if its existing cancellation deadline holds.
For now, Singapore Airlines’ return to the Middle East remains dependent on regional developments and the airline’s ability to reinstate its planned operations safely.
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