Dubai: Passengers flying out of Dubai International airport this weekend can expect delays if they don’t arrive early, with massive crowds expected to show up as thousands head abroad for spring and holiday break.
Emirates, the Middle East’s largest carrier, is expecting 89,000 passengers passing through Terminal 3 this coming weekend alone, according to latest booking numbers.
Flyers can expect passenger terminals to be at their busiest on Friday, March 24, where more than 34,500 people will pass through Terminal 3.
Travellers are strongly advised to give at least a three-hour allowance for check-in and boarding procedures, to avoid disruptions. Some airline counters will be opening earlier than usual, with Emirates allowing its customers to check in six hours prior to depature.
Further disruptions are also expected, especially on Saturday, when airlines with direct flights to the United States are scheduled to implement the US widespread security ban on electronic devices larger than a mobile phone. Roadworks in the vicinity of the airport are also likely to add to delays.
“Emirates reminds customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure. With road works and construction in progress around the airport, customers are encouraged to plan extra time to get to the airport to avoid delays,” Emirates said in a press statement.
“Passengers can physically check in at the airport as early as six hours before departing on their flight. Passengers are requested to check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel.”
Other options and tips to avoid delays:
Check in online on both your desktop or mobile device from 48 hours to 90 minutes prior to departure
Make use of car park check-in facilities equipped with 16 check-in counters. Customers can use these to check in and drop off their luggage from 24 hours to six hours prior to departure.
Adhere to carry-on baggage weight limits, which (for Emirates) are 7 kilograms for Economy Class and 14kg for Business and First Class. Staff will be checking the weight of carry-on bags at various touch points before passengers board their flights.
Alternatively, customers heading to Emirates Terminal 3 can choose to drop their luggage at one of the 46 dedicated bag drop counters in Economy Class or separate counters in First Class and Business Class from six hours to 90 minutes prior to departure.
