Emirates and Dubai Airports warn of summer travel peak

Flydubai passengers advised to arrive four hours ahead of flight departure time

Dubai Airports' Dubai International (DXB) expects an estimated 3.5 million guests through its doors between 20 June and 3 July 2023. 

The hub is preparing for a surge in departures, with more than a quarter of a million in outbound traffic from 23 to 25 June. 

Saturday 24 June is forecast to be intensely busy with a total departure load of nearly 100,000 passengers across DXB. 

The arrival peak at the end of the Eid Al Adha holiday is anticipated to be even busier with total daily traffic expected to surpass a record-breaking 305,000 passengers on 2 July.

Emirates airline is recommending that passengers take extra time to plan their travel journey this June and July. With more than 80,000 passengers expected to depart Dubai on busy days, the airline advises passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flights, taking note of boarding times to ensure timely departures, and to take advantage of multiple check-in and baggage drop options around the city to reduce time at the airport.

GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL & TOURISM INSIGHT REPORT PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH DELOITTE

Essa Al Shamsi, senior vice president of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai International’s recovery has been spectacular this year as evidenced by the impressive traffic growth in the first quarter. As a result, the seasonal peaks this year are expected to be the busiest since 2019, and we are preparing ourselves accordingly. 

"Teams across DXB, representing terminal operations, guest experience, control authorities including Dubai Police, airlines, ground handling, baggage operations, car parks, and multiple commercial and service partners, are all working in perfect sync to maintain the high quality of service that international travellers have to come to expect of Dubai." 

Passengers flying Emirates can use the airline’s home check-in and self-service check-in facilities as well as a city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC as well as the dedicated facility in Ajman. 

Flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least four hours before the departure time of their flight.

Passengers flying all other airlines should arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before the scheduled departure time of their flights and DXB recommends using online check-in where available to save time.

For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.

For more information, visit www.dubaiairports.ae