Etihad to fly about 3.3 million passengers over next two months

Etihad Airways has urged passengers to be prepared for big crowds at the Abu Dhabi airport over the next two months as several people are expected to travel for the summer holidays.

The airline said it expects to fly up to 3.3 million passengers across its network over the next two months.

The combination of the Eid public holiday, school break and the summer season means that June 22 to August 24 will be a particularly busy time at Abu Dhabi International Airport, a statement said.

The airline urged passengers to complete the check-in procedure in advance through its mobile app or via its website. Self-service kiosks are also available in Terminals 1 and 3, allowing those who have checked in online to print out their boarding passes at the airport.

Etihad is also offering a ‘moonlight check-in’ service, available between 4am and 6am, and 4pm and 6pm until July 5 at Terminal 3. The service is open to those travelling on all non-US flights, and permits check-in four to eight hours before the scheduled departure time.

Those using the service will receive an additional 5 kg of checked baggage, 2,500 Etihad guest miles, and vouchers for select Duty Free and food and beverage outlets.

Early check-in is also available in Dubai Travel Mall, and at the Al Ain and Abu Dhabi City Terminals, the airline said.

On certain mornings in Terminal 3 between June 21 and 24, a specially dedicated ‘family check-in’ area will be available for those travelling with young children and infants.

At the airport, those with an electronic or printed boarding pass can use the dedicated bag drop desks in Terminal 3.

The airline also advised passengers travelling to the US to pack electronic devices larger than a smartphone in their checked baggage.

Those who carry their devices to the airport will have to re-pack them before screening at the airport’s US immigration facility, where they can pack them into specially provided secure cases, for collection on arrival in the US.

All Etihad flights to India have moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, while flights to Morocco have moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1.

The airline said it has also deployed additional staff to provide assistance, and set up new signage for passengers.

Also read: Dubai’s Emirates urges passengers to arrive early ahead of Eid holiday