Passengers should opt for early check-in to ensure a smoother travel experience.
Dubai: Emirates has issued a summer travel advisory for passengers departing from Dubai, cautioning that airports are expected to experience increased passenger traffic during the peak holiday travel season.
Emirates has alerted passengers traveling from Dubai to expect heavier crowds and longer processing times as passenger volumes rise during the busy summer holiday period.
In its advisory, Emirates urged travellers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure, noting that security and immigration procedures may take longer than usual due to increased passenger traffic during peak travel periods.
The airline also reminded passengers to be at their boarding gates no later than 60 minutes before departure.
Emirates has advised travellers to plan for additional travel time when heading to Dubai International Airport, as increased traffic congestion may cause delays. Passengers can also consider using the Dubai Metro for convenient access to Emirates Terminal 3.
The Dubai Metro operates from 5am to midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays, from 5am to 1am on Fridays, and from 8am to midnight on Sundays.
The summer season is one of the busiest travel periods in Dubai, as many residents travel abroad for school holidays, family reunions and seasonal vacations.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), the home hub of Emirates, experienced a record-breaking summer in 2025, handling 24.2 million passengers between July and September. The figure marked the busiest quarter in the airport’s 65-year history.
Emirates encourages passengers to check in early
To help minimise waiting times at the airport, Emirates has urged passengers to take advantage of its range of early check-in options before arriving at the terminal.
Passengers can check in online or via the Emirates app, choose their seats and complete travel formalities before arriving at the airport.
Emirates also offers several convenient check-in options, including:
- Check-in and baggage drop up to 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before US-bound flights.
- Self-service check-in and bag-drop kiosks, as well as Emirates Check-in Ports.
- Emirates Biometrics registration through the Emirates app for Emirates Skywards members.
- Home Check-in services, allowing airline agents to collect baggage directly from a passenger’s home, hotel or office.
The airline also provides off-airport check-in facilities, available from 24 hours up to four hours before departure, except for flights to the US.
These include Emirates City Check-in Ajman, which operates around the clock, and the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place, open daily from 8am to 10pm. From July 1, its operating hours will be extended until midnight.
Emirates has advised passengers to keep their contact details updated via Manage Your Booking to receive timely travel updates.
