If you’re the type who keeps a mental bucket list of dream destinations, chances are Vienna has crept onto it at some point. The city of coffee houses, palaces, and Christmas markets has that effect. And now, there’s a cheaper way to tick it off. Austrian Airlines has announced a new “Dubai Deal,” giving UAE travellers a direct, budget-friendly route to Vienna this winter.
Austrian Airlines Unveils Winter “Dubai Deal” With Five Weekly Flights To Vienna
From 1 December 2025 until March 2026, Austrian Airlines will roll out five weekly flights between Dubai and Vienna. Return fares start at EUR314 (around AED1,350), which, let’s face it, is pretty reasonable for a European winter escape.
The entry-level ticket, Economy Light, comes with 8kg of hand luggage. Travelling with a heavier suitcase? Then you’re looking at Economy Classic from EUR374 (AED1,610). For those who’d rather sip sparkling water at the front of the cabin, Business Class starts at EUR699 (AED3,005). Not exactly pocket change, but still competitive compared with other carriers.
Truth be told, the pricing suggests Austrian Airlines is testing the waters rather than going all-in.
The Lean Approach: What’s Onboard
Here’s where it gets interesting. Austrian Airlines won’t be rolling out the big long-haul jets for this route. Instead, the flights will run on the A320neo, a leaner, short-haul aircraft. Translation? No built-in entertainment screens. So yes, you’ll want to download a season of your favourite show or carry a decent book.
To be fair, the airline isn’t leaving you high and dry. It’s promising “new options and features” to keep the experience pleasant. Catering will be handled by the Austrian Melangerie, which offers snacks and meals that lean more café than canteen. After all, it’s Austria, coffee and cake practically come with the passport.
Will It Stick Around?
This whole operation is branded a “winter trial.” In practice, that means Austrian Airlines will crunch the numbers come spring and decide if Dubai stays on the map. If bookings are strong and passengers don’t mind the stripped-back service, the route could well become permanent. If not, it’ll quietly disappear into airline history.
Come on, we all know airlines love a good trial balloon. Sometimes it works (hello, budget-friendly routes to Eastern Europe), and sometimes it fizzles out.
Flight Timings That Work Both Ways
The schedule itself appears to be designed for maximum convenience. Flight OS89 takes off from Vienna at 6.55 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, landing in Dubai at 3.40 am.
On the return, OS90 departs Dubai at 6.05 am, landing in Vienna at 9.25 am. Early? Definitely. But by the time you’ve dropped your bags at the hotel, the city will be wide awake and waiting with a strudel and coffee.
Also Read: This Month Onwards Travellers Can Enjoy Premium Economy On The Dubai-Kolkata Route
Why This Route Matters
For Dubai travellers, this opens up an affordable way to hit central Europe without detouring through other hubs. For Austrians, it’s a gateway to the UAE’s winter sunshine, and let’s face it, that’s a pretty easy sell.
So, whether you’re in it for the baroque architecture, a dose of culture, or simply a snowy backdrop for your Instagram, Vienna is about to get a lot closer. Just remember: pack your own entertainment, and book early for the cheaper fares.
Cover Image Courtesy: Austrian Airlines/Website