Emirates has issued a travel advisory for December, warning customers to prepare for conditions at Dubai International Airport (DXB) as the airline anticipates more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals over the coming weekends.
The surge is attributed to peak tourist season, events in the emirate, and changes to the KHDA calendar that have resulted in schools being closed for most of December.
Emirates is instructing passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before departure during December. Customers must pass through immigration 1.5 hours before departure and reach their boarding gate one hour before departure.
Emirates issues three-hour arrival advisory
The airline states that following these timelines will allow time to use facilities at Dubai International, including Emirates Lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping outlets, and relaxation areas.
Emirates is offering check-in through its app and website 48 hours before flight departure time. The app provides boarding passes for most destinations, flight notifications, meal information, and allows customers to pre-order hot meals in Business Class, book chauffeur services, and pre-select inflight entertainment.
Customers can register for biometrics through the Emirates app to use smart gates at the airport, biometric boarding at Emirates gates, and biometric entry to Emirates Lounges.
Emirates offers 10,000 Skywards Miles for families using DIFC check-in this December
Emirates City Check-In and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place at Dubai International Financial Centre is available for customers to check in and drop luggage between 24 hours and four hours before a flight. The facility offers parking at no charge.
Between December 15 and January 15, customers who check in and drop luggage at this location will receive 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles each, including children.
A family of four could claim 10,000 miles. The venue operates from 8AM to 10PM daily, with hours extended to midnight between December 15 and January 15.
Emirates City Check-In Ajman, located in Ajman Central Bus Terminal, operates 24 hours and accepts check-ins between 24 hours and four hours before flight departure.
Customers departing from Dubai can drop off luggage at the airport at no charge 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure for US-bound flights. Passengers can then proceed to the immigration area at departure time.
Home check-in is available in Dubai and Sharjah, where Emirates agents complete the check-in process at a customer’s home, hotel, or office and transport bags to the flight.
The service requires booking at least 24 hours before a flight and is complimentary for First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members.
New power bank rules and baggage requirements for 2025
Emirates has outlined baggage restrictions for December travel. Customers may carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours with capacity rating information available. Power banks must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat and are not allowed in checked baggage.
Smart bags are permitted in the cabin if the battery is removable, powered off, and within cabin baggage size and weight limits. E-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense Burners, and other personal vaporisers containing batteries must be protected to prevent activation and are only allowed as carry-on luggage.
EmiratesRED.com offers pre-order shopping from 21 days to 40 hours before a flight. Products are delivered to seats by cabin crew. The Emirates RED Winter 2025 catalogue features more than 300 products from brands including Hermรจs, Cartier, Tom Ford, Creed, and Jo Malone. Customers who pre-order can use the code RED10 to save 10 per cent.
Emirates has launched an Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on Emirates.com containing information for travel that is accessible and for customers requiring assistance.
Services include special assistance booking, an autism guide, Dubai Airport maps, sensory guides, Be My Eyes support app for people who are visually impaired, Sanad tourist card applications, wheelchair and mobility aid information, family travel, medical travel, travelling with children, travelling during pregnancy, and unaccompanied minors travel.
Passengers arriving at Concourse B can use a train in Terminal 3 to reach Concourse A at no charge. A shuttle bus operates between Concourse A and Concourse C 24 hours a day, seven days a week, departing every 20 minutes with a travel time of 20 minutes.
Buggies are available on request for First Class customers throughout the airport. Dubai Airport Buggies are available for all customers at no charge, with priority for elderly passengers, families with children, and People of Determination.
