Eid Al Adha 2025: Travel tips for Dubai International Airport (DXB) to avoid holiday crowds

Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is expected to be extremely busy over the upcoming Eid Al Adha break, with Emirates warning of heavy passenger traffic between June 1 and 9.

If you are flying out during this period, planning ahead can make all the difference in avoiding delays, stress, or missed flights. Here’s how to travel smarter and smoother through DXB during the holiday rush.

With thousands heading out for the holidays, Emirates advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight. Aim to pass through immigration no later than 90 minutes before departure, and make sure you are at your gate an hour before your flight takes off.

Online check-in is strongly recommended to avoid long queues at the airport.

Roads around the airport are likely to be congested, so consider taking the Dubai Metro. The Red Line connects directly to Terminals 1 and 3 and is often the quickest option during peak travel times.

The metro operates from 5am to midnight on weekdays, and from 8am on Sundays, with extended hours on Fridays.

You will need a nol card to ride, which can be purchased at any station. Luggage is allowed on board, but limited to one large and one small suitcase per passenger, which must be placed in the dedicated luggage areas inside the metro cabins.

If the metro isn’t an option, ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are available, along with RTA taxis. Airport taxis start at Dh25, with Dh2.43 charged per kilometre.

If you’re dropping someone off, stick to the designated drop-off zones at the Departures level — these are for quick stops only. For pick-ups, you’ll need to use the official airport car parks.

Parking fees vary by terminal. Terminal 1 charges Dh40 for premium parking up to two hours, or Dh25 for one hour in the economy zone. Terminal 2 has cheaper rates, starting at Dh15, while Terminal 3’s premium options can go up to Dh40.

Smart Gates at Dubai Airport allow eligible travellers to clear passport control in seconds. These gates are open to UAE citizens and residents, GCC nationals, and visitors eligible for visa on arrival with biometric passports.

Just look into the scanner when the green light shows — there's usually no need to scan your passport. Be sure to remove any hats, glasses, or masks before approaching the gate. Note that children under 1.2 metres tall, passengers with large strollers, or people of determination may need to use the manual passport counters instead.

If you are flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, remote check-in services can help you avoid the worst of the crowds. Your bags are collected from your home, hotel, or office, and checked in on your behalf. You’ll receive your boarding pass and luggage tags without needing to wait at the terminal.

In Dubai, this service is operated by Dubz; in Abu Dhabi, it’s Morafiq. Bookings must be made at least six hours before departure, and while there’s a cost involved, many travellers find it well worth the convenience, especially for early flights or family travel.

Dubai Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 handles international flights through D Gates, Terminal 2 is used for regional and some international services, and Terminal 3 is mostly used by Emirates, flydubai, United, and Air Canada, covering A, B, and C Gates.

The airport offers internal trains to help travellers transfer between distant gates, including a train from Terminal 1 to D Gates and another within Terminal 3 from B and C Gates to A Gates.

If you are transiting with separate tickets and have a UAE visa, you'll need to go through immigration, collect your luggage, and check in again.

Security can be a bottleneck, but a few simple steps can speed up the process. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready, place liquids (under 100ml each, up to a total of 1 litre) in a clear, resealable plastic bag, and remove belts, metal accessories, and high-heeled shoes. Laptops and tablets should go into separate trays.

Packing the wrong item can delay your journey. Emirates reminds passengers to be cautious when it comes to battery-powered devices:

Check your airline’s baggage policy and repack to avoid extra fees.

Dubai Airport is one of the world’s busiest and largest, which can be overwhelming during peak periods. To make your journey easier, use DXB Express Maps by scanning QR codes on flight information screens. These maps provide step-by-step directions to your gate, along with details about nearby dining spots and facilities.