Emirates has issued guidance to passengers ahead of what the airline expects to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with high volumes of departures and arrivals forecast between 2 and 5 January.
The airline has advised customers to arrive at Dubai International Airport four hours before their scheduled departure time during this period. Emirates cited the likelihood of traffic congestion on routes to the airport, fuller car parks, and crowded terminals as reasons for the recommendation.
“Emirates strongly recommends that customers arrive to the airport 4 hours ahead of departure, preparing for the likelihood of additional traffic on the way to the airport, busier carparks, and a bustling airport,” the airline stated.
Emirates offers 2,500 bonus miles for DIFC check-in during January travel rush
Emirates has directed passengers to use remote check-in services to reduce time spent at the airport. The airline operates two city check-in locations in the UAE.
The Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) allows passengers to check in and drop luggage between 24 hours and four hours before departure. The facility operates from 8am to midnight until 15 January. Free parking is available at the location.
Emirates is offering 2,500 Skywards Miles to customers who use the DIFC check-in facility and drop their luggage there by 15 January.
A second facility at Ajman Central Bus Terminal operates 24 hours and offers the same check-in window of 24 hours to four hours before departure.
Emirates customers in Dubai and Sharjah can book a home check-in service, where airline agents complete the check-in process and collect luggage from a customer’s home, hotel, or office. The service requires booking at least 24 hours before departure.
The home check-in service is provided at no charge to First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members. Emirates has advised passengers to book the service early due to expected demand.
Dubai Metro recommended by Emirates to avoid airport traffic in January
Emirates has suggested passengers use the Dubai Metro to reach Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. The Red Line provides access to the airport terminal through a station with walkways and escalators connecting to check-in, departures, and arrivals areas.
The airline highlighted the Metro as an alternative to road transport during periods of traffic congestion. Services operate from early morning to late at night with frequent trains.
Emirates has reminded passengers to complete online check-in through the Emirates app or website before arriving at the airport if they have not used remote check-in services. The airline requires passengers to reach boarding gates at least one hour before departure.
The airline has instructed travellers to pre-select seats and verify that travel documents are valid before departure.
