Dubai travel advice for long weekend: What to keep in mind while flying through DXB

Dubai: All airports in the UAE, especially Dubai International Airport (DXB), are bracing for a surge in passenger traffic this Hijri New Year long weekend, coinciding with the closure of many schools for the summer break. UAE residents, who were only three days ago consumed by concern about the ongoing regional crises, have fortunately returned to planning their upcoming summer holidays.

With many schools closing for the summer over the next two weeks, thousands of UAE residents are planning to leave for their well-deserved summer break. There will also be some amount of inbound travel.

Emirates Airlines has issued a travel advisory, anticipating peak departure numbers to continue until June 30. Airlines are advising travellers to plan their journeys carefully, allowing ample time for potential road congestion en route to the airport, busier parking facilities, and increased queues at immigration and security checkpoints.

Dubai Airports announced today that its travel peak period will be from June 27 until July 9. The forecasted daily volume averages over 265,000, with the busiest day being July 5 for both departures and transfer traffic. 

Emirates estimates that over 30,000 passengers will depart from DXB on peak days, advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flight. They also recommend completing immigration formalities at least 1.5 hours before departure and arriving at the correct boarding gate an hour in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

Dubai Airport has recently confirmed the resumption of full operations across its facilities following a brief precautionary suspension earlier in the week. This temporary disruption was a knock-on effect of regional airspace closures stemming from heightened tensions in the Middle East.

European carriers who had cancelled operations to Dubai and other GCC countries earlier this week have since resumed operations. Dutch carrier KLM had announced a suspension of flights to Dubai, along with Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, which was initially stated to continue until further notice. However, according to the airline's website booking data, flights have renewed operations.

British Airways, which had also temporarily cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha, has since resumed operations.

Air France-KLM also reported cancellations on some Dubai and Riyadh routes earlier in the week. They have also renewed operations.

Passengers flying through DXB this Hijri New Year weekend should: