Emirates is preparing for a surge in passenger traffic through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) as the summer travel season in the Northern Hemisphere begins, with high volumes expected from July 3 to 5 and continuing through the peak months, the airline said.

The Dubai-based carrier is advising passengers to allow extra time for traffic, parking, immigration, security screening, and moving between concourses to reach their boarding gates. Emirates recommends arriving at the airport three hours before departure, clearing immigration at least 1.5 hours before departure, and reaching the boarding gate at least an hour before takeoff.

Take the Metro

To avoid road traffic, the airline is encouraging travellers to use the Dubai Metro to reach Terminal 3 rather than driving. Metro operating hours vary by day, running latest on Fridays until 1:00am and starting latest on Sundays at 8:00am.

Check in online or via the Emirates app

Passengers can check in online or through the Emirates mobile app up to 48 hours before departure. The app allows travellers to manage bookings, download digital boarding passes, receive flight notifications, preview onboard meals, and plan entertainment in advance.

Drop bags up to 24 hours ahead

Passengers departing from Dubai can check in and drop off checked baggage as early as 24 hours before departure — or 12 hours ahead for flights to the United States — allowing them to proceed directly to immigration on the day of travel.

Off-airport check-in options

Emirates also operates off-airport check-in facilities, including a City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in the Dubai International Financial Centre, open daily from 8:00am to midnight through August 10, and a round-the-clock facility at Ajman Central Bus Terminal. Both allow baggage drop-off between 24 and four hours before departure.

Home check-in service

For added convenience, Emirates offers a Home Check-in service in Dubai and Sharjah, in which agents complete the check-in process at a passenger's home, hotel, or office and transport the bags to the flight separately. The service must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum members of Emirates' Skywards loyalty programme.

Self-service options at the airport

Self-check-in and bag-drop kiosks are available near terminal entrances. Skywards members can also register in advance for Emirates Biometrics, which uses facial recognition to speed up passage through the airport.

Moving around the terminal

Emirates operates a complimentary train between Concourse A and B and a shuttle bus between Concourse A and C running every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. First Class passengers can request dedicated buggies, while free airport buggies are available to all passengers, with priority given to elderly travellers, families with children, and passengers with disabilities.

Packing guidance

Emirates is reminding passengers to review restricted-item rules before packing. Power banks are permitted in hand baggage but not in checked luggage, and smart bags are allowed in the cabin only if their batteries are removable or the bag is fully powered off. E-cigarettes and personal vaporisers must be protected against accidental activation and carried only as hand luggage.

Support for passengers with disabilities

Emirates said travellers with disabilities or additional needs can access dedicated support, including a pre-planning guide for DXB, two hours of complimentary airport parking, and priority lanes for check-in, immigration, security, and boarding. Further details are available on the Accessible Travel section of the Emirates website or through local Emirates offices, the airline said.

Source: PR