Dubai’s Emirates warns of summer passenger surge over next two weeks

Dubai carrier Emirates has warned passengers to arrive three hours early during what are expected to be among the busiest two weekends of the year at Dubai International Airport.

The airline predicts more than 220,000 travellers will pass through its Terminal 3 during the period, which coincides with the end of the school year, with Friday,v June 29 and July 6 likely to be the busiest days.

Customers have been advised to allow extra time to get to the airport and check in no later than 90 minutes before departure regardless of their class of travel.

The warning has particular relevance this year with maintenance work set to begin tomorrow at the city’s Airport Tunnel.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said it will close two lanes in each direction of the tunnel every Friday from 12:30am to 11:00am until November 16.

Emirates check-in is available online 48 hours before departure and closes at the airport 60 minutes before departure.

Bags to be checked in can be dropped off at the terminals car parking area from 24 to six hours before departure, while those for carry-on must be within weight limits of 7kg for economy and 14kg for business and first class.

A new home check-in facility has also been launched this year for added convenience and family check-in areas are available at Area 2 of Terminal 3.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates introduces home check-in service

The carrier’s lounges will have dedicated play areas for children and families benefit from priority boarding.

Boarding starts 45 minutes before departure and gates close 20 minutes before departure.

As an added benefit, Emirates is offering passengers free Emperor ice cream during peak travel times every day this summer.

Read: Emirates to offer passengers free ice cream at Dubai airport