Dubai’s Emirates warns passengers to arrive 3 hours early this weekend

Dubai carrier Emirates has encouraged passengers to arrive at the airport three hours early for the coming two weekends due to peak travel demand at the end of the year.

The airline said it was expecting 100,000 passengers at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 from Thursday to Saturday, with 30,000 scheduled to travel on Friday, December 14 alone.

The number of passengers is set to peak again on Friday December 21 and 22 during the home stretch to Christmas.

Emirates warned that road and infrastructure works around the airport would also cause delays for passengers travelling to the airport.

Passengers can physically check-in for their flight between six hours and 60 minutes prior to departure. Online check-in is available between 48 hours and 90 minutes from departure.

The carrier said 16 car park check-in counter facilities are available at zone C and 46 dedicated bag drop counters inside the terminal. A special family check-in area is available in Zone 2.

Carry-on bags must weigh 7kg or less for economy customers and 14kg or less for business and first class and will be weighed at various points throughout the airport.

Emirates said gates would open 90 minutes before departure and boarding would begin 45 minutes before. Passenger face being unable to board if they don’t reach the gate by 20 minutes to departure.

Christmas decorations and menu items

The carrier has installed special Christmas decorations at Terminal 3 including a tree decked with Fly With Me Animals including popular characters Peek U the panda, Lewis the lion, Savannah the elephant, Ernie the penguin and a limited edition of Bell the Robin. The display will remain in place until January 8.

Emirates also said on Tuesday it would be offering a Christmas-inspired menu on flights to Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and South Africa.

Passengers in economy will be able to select turkey roll with mashed potato, pan fried Vienna Chicken Sausage, green peas, baby carrots and cranberry jus lié with milk chocolate mousse and cranberry compote topped with a reindeer chocolate button for desert.

First and passenger class passengers will have the option of roasted turkey breast and apricot stuffing, roast potatoes with creamy brussels sprouts with turkey bacon and cranberry jus lié, with festive sweets such as a chocolate Yule log garnished with meringue drops, chocolate stars and a gingerbread man or a chocolate mint dome decorated with snow fondant and a festive leaf served with crème anglaise for desert.

Special treats will also be offered to first class and child passengers including hot chocolate, a chocolate reindeer lollipop and the limited edition of Bell the Robin toy.

On the ground, Emirates 42 global lounges will serve Christmas dishes from December 15 to 31.