UAE travel: Emirates issues Eid Al Fitr travel advisory for busy season

Dubai: Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, is preparing for super-busy weekends ahead of and during the Eid Al Fitr holidays, with heavy traveller volumes departing from and arriving in Dubai.

According to the airline, the busiest time for departures in Terminal 3 will be on March 28 and 29 and April 5 and 6, with more than 80,000 daily passengers going abroad for spring break holidays.

With expected traffic congestion around Terminal 3 entrances, Emirates has urged passengers departing from Dubai to build in extra time for their journeys to avoid potential delays.

Here’s what else travellers should keep in mind ahead of the long break:

• Passengers should arrive at the airport up to 3 hours before their flight and take note of their boarding times to ensure they reach the departure gate on time without delay.

• Passengers can use the broad range of check-in options available, including online check-in on emirates.com or the Emirates App, which is open 48 hours before departure.

• Passengers can also use the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place 24 to 4 hours before departure. This does not include passengers travelling to the US.

• Passengers can also book a home check-in from their residence or hotel. They can use the airline’s convenient check-in kiosks, baggage drop facilities in Terminal 3, and mobile check-in ports throughout the terminal. 

• Passengers from the northern Emirates can check in at the Ajman Central Bus Terminal from 24 to 4 hours before their flight.

• Passengers can also drop off their luggage at the airport the night before travel at no charge, check in early, and drop off their bags 24 hours before departure or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US. This allows them to proceed directly to immigration or Smart Tunnel for seamless processing.

•  Passengers should clear passport control and security 90 minutes before departure and are advised to reach their gate no later than 60 minutes before their flight if booked in Premium Economy or Economy Class and 45 minutes before departure if venturing in First or Business Class.

• Boarding gates will close 20 minutes before departure. If passengers report late, Emirates said it would not be able to accept them for travel.

• Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed by the carrier to ensure flights depart on schedule.