Dubai: It's that time of the year again when hundreds of thousands of UAE residents head back home or fly to destinations abroad to spend the holidays, and if you're one of those travelling soon, expect to brave airport crowds.
One of the biggest airlines in the region, Emirates, confirmed on Monday that the upcoming weekend will be one of the busiest times to travel through Dubai International Airport, with Terminal 3 alone expected to accommodate 420,000 travellers.
UAE residents flying out for the holidays would therefore do well to head to the airport early.
The airline said the bulk of the holiday flyers will pass through the airport gates on Friday, December 15, but the huge passenger traffic will start building up on Thursday.
“More than 420,000 travellers will be passing through Emirates Terminal 3 during the weekend period, according to the airline’s latest booking figures. The busiest day for the airline is expected to be on Friday 15 December,” Emirates said in a statement.
“With road works and major infrastructure enhancements happening around the main airport highways and roads, Emirates urges customers to build in extra time to their journeys to avoid potential delays.”
Those who are flying with the airline are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their departure.
“They are requested to check in no later than two hours prior to departure, regardless of class of travel. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel.”
Customers can also check in online on both their desktops and mobile devices from 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure.
In addition to online check-in services, Emirates also offers convenient car park check-in facilities equipped with 16 check-in counters.
“Along with checked in baggage, passengers are strongly advised to adhere to carry-on baggage weight limits,” said the airline.
Economy class passenger can carry up to 7 kilos, while business and first class flyers have up to 14 kilos of baggage limit.
“Staff will be checking the weight of carry-on bags at various touch points before passengers board their flights,” the airline advised.
