Dubai’s Emirates warns of holiday rush

Dubai carrier Emirates has warned passengers to arrive to Dubai International’s Terminal 3 early as it prepares for one of its busiest periods of the year.

The airline expects to carry 420,000 passengers through the terminal during the coming weekend from Thursday December 14 to Saturday December 16 with Friday expected to be the busiest day.

Travellers have been told to allow extra travel time to Dubai International this year amid ongoing road and infrastructure work taking place outside the airport.

They have also been warned to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight departs and to check in no later than two hours prior to departure. Those that try to check-in less than 60 minutes before their scheduled flight departure will be unable to travel.

Emirates offers online check-in 48 hours before departure and check-in at the airport six hours before.

It is also offering car park check-in facilities equipped with 16 counters on top of the 46 bag drop counters in economy and others for first and business class that can be used from six hours to 90 minutes before departure.

Those travelling with just carry-on bags are warned to stick to their weight limit of 7kg for economy and 14kg for business and first class as staff will be checking at weight stations.

The carrier is operating additional flights to London over the December 15 to January 6 period to cope with demand from UK travellers.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to operate extra flights to London over Christmas