Dubai airport gears up to serve 11m passengers in the next three months

Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DIA) will be deploying hundreds of extra staff to cope with the increased traffic as it expects to handle 11 million passengers between June and August.

"We have been talking to police, customs and immigration about their role in the process. We are going to make the security process just as rigorous but hopefully much better flowing.

"So we are working closely with all the agencies to make sure that the experience at the airport is as pleasant as it possibly can be," Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai International Airport, told Gulf News on Sunday.

Traffic peaks in summer as people travel to their home countries and on holidays.

"This year we are going to have the largest [summer] passenger throughput in the airport that we have ever seen," Griffiths said.

Passengers are being advised not be accompanied by too many relatives and friends so that the airport area does not become congested with people and cars.

"The problem here is that the ratio of well-wishers to passengers is far greater than one to one. If people could say their farewells at home, that would be much better," he said. People can also save time by using online check-in and self-service kiosk in the departure hall.

The opening of Terminal 3 later this year will provide much needed capacity to DIA in the future.

Trials are underway to test its various systems and ensure that Dubai does not face the type of problems that crippled the baggage system at London Heathrow 's new Terminal 5 recently.

Thousands of volunteers will be used as mock passengers when the departure and arrival facilities are tested.

Dubai Airports has not given a date when it plans to open Terminal 3.

Tips: Travelling smart

• Save time by saying goodbyes to loved ones at home.
• Avoid queues by doing online check-in or use the self check-in kiosks in the departures hall. Passengers carrying only hand luggage can then proceed directly to immigration.
• Passengers with baggage to be checked in can make use of the quick-baggage drop counters.
• You can avoid queuing up at passport control by acquiring an e-Gate Card, which uses fingerprint recognition technology.
• Ensure that each piece of baggage is within the 32-kg maximum limit allowed. Expect to be charged for baggage in excess of that limit.
• Make sure that any liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) are packed in a clear resealable plastic bag. Unless absolutely necessary during the journey, it is better to pack LAGs in your checked-in baggage.
• Save time at security screening by putting items like watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins into your hand luggage well before you arrive at the X-ray machines.