Emirates warns of heavy passenger traffic this weekend

Dubai airline Emirates has cautioned passengers travelling this weekend to arrive early in the airport due to heavy visitor traffic.

The busiest time for departures will be on Friday, March 23 in the morning, all day on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, March 25, the airline said in a statement.

The heavy passenger traffic is anticipated at Terminal 3 ahead of the spring break holiday.

“With road works and infrastructure enhancements happening around the main airport highways and roads during this time, Emirates urges customers to build in extra time to their journeys to avoid potential delays,” the statement said.

Passengers have been asked to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight departures. They can physically check in at the airport upto six hours before departure and no later than two hours prior to departure.

Emirates also offers car park check-in facilities with 16 counters, located in Zone C.

Passengers can also check in online between 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure.

Families travelling with small children can use dedicated family counters to check-in in Zone 2.

Those who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel, Emirates said.

Gates open 90 minutes before departure, boarding starts 45 minutes before each flight and gates close 20 minutes before departure.

“Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule. These time checks will ensure minimal flight delays out of Dubai,” the statement added.

Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international travellers, recorded a 5.5 per cent growth in passenger traffic last year to reach 88.2 million. It is forecasting that traffic will increase by 2.4 per cent this year to 90.3 million.

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