The world's busiest airport is gearing up for a rush of travellers this festive season, with more than one million passengers expected to fly through DXB this weekend.
Airport authorities are advising passengers to arrive at the airport early. The busiest period will be from Thursday, December 12 until Sunday, December 15.
Emirates airline has also warned passengers to get to the airport early during the festive season. The airline, which operates from Terminal 3 at DXB, is expecting more than 300,000 travellers on flights from DXB between Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 20.
The busiest day for Emirates departures will be on Friday, December 13 when around 40,000 passengers are expected to travel from Terminal 3.
When should I check-in?
All passengers are reminded to check-in ahead of time and to arrive at least three hours early at the airport to avoid any delays. Dubai Airports have urged travellers to leave extra time for journeys to the airport as the roads can be very busy during holiday season.
Emirates passengers can use online check-in, which opens 48 hours ahead of flight departure time and passengers can physically check in at the airport up to 24 hours before flights leave.
Any passengers arriving at the airport less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure time will not be accepted for travel.
After checking in, passengers shouldn't spend too long browsing in the airport for last-minute festive gifts, as all travellers must arrive at boarding gates on time. Gates open 90 minutes before departure, and boarding starts 45 minutes before each flight. They close 20 minutes before departure and no passengers will be accepted on any flight after this time.
Save time at security
Security checkpoints are expected to be busier than normal. Passengers can prepare ahead of time to save time at security by packing liquids and aerosols in check-in baggage or in resealable plastic bags if liquids are less than 100ml.
Dubai Airports reminds travellers that anything metal including watches, jewellery, mobile phones, coins and belts can be put into your hand luggage before you arrive at the security X-ray machine to save time during the screening process.
Save time at security checks, make sure you don’t carry these items in your hand luggage. #traveltip pic.twitter.com/BhCgMPN7rq
— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) December 10, 2019
Dubai for the holidays
From December 20, outgoing passenger numbers will start to drop off, but there will be an upsurge in incoming travellers.
Close to 430,000 passengers are expected to arrive into Terminal 3 between Friday, December 20 and Monday, December 30 to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Passengers arriving in Dubai for the holiday celebrations are advised to use the smart gates to clear immigration quickly. These services can be used by anyone with a valid Emirates ID and by registered eligible visitors, typically people from countries that can get visas on arrival. Registration can be completed at the airport by an immigration officer.
Incoming passengers can also pre-book home delivery baggage service to cut waiting times at the airport. The service allows baggage to be delivered anywhere in the UAE. Fees vary depending on the final delivery point.
