Dubai’s Emirates warns of busy travel period this weekend

Dubai airline Emirates has urged passengers travelling during this weekend to arrive early at the airport due to heavy traffic.

All UAE residents have three days off next week – on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday – December 1-3 for Commemoration Day and National Day.

Read: UAE confirms holiday dates for Commemoration Day and National Day

The busiest time for departures in Terminal 3 will be on Friday, November 29, with over 40,000 passengers expected, Emirates said in a statement.

Peak travel is expected to start on Thursday, November 28 during the afternoon and will continue until December 5, with close to 200,000 Emirates passengers travelling from Dubai.

“Passengers are encouraged to build in extra travel time to avoid any delays with expected traffic congestion around Terminal 3 during this time,” the airline said.

The carrier also urged passengers to check-in early and arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight departure to avoid any delays.

Passengers can physically check in at the airport up to 24 hours before flight departure, and are requested to check in no later than two hours prior to departure. Those who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates also offers online check in facilities on both desktops and mobile devices from 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure.

It also had a home check-in service, which allows passengers to check in and complete the security check for their flights from anywhere in Dubai.

Passengers can also check-in at the car park in Terminal 3 and drop off their luggage at the counters.

Families travelling with small children can use dedicated family counters in Check in Zone 2.

After checking in, passengers are also advised to make sure they get to their boarding gate on time. Gates open 90 minutes before departure, boarding starts 45 minutes before each flight and gates close 20 minutes before departure.

“If passengers report late Emirates will not be able to accept them for travel. Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule,” the statement added.