Flying from Dubai this summer? Emirates reveals 10 ways to avoid airport delays
Plan ahead for faster journeys
DUBAI – Summer holiday travel is set to enter its busiest phase this weekend as Emirates prepares for increased passenger traffic at Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The airline expects high volumes of departures from 3 to 5 July, with busy weekends likely to continue throughout the summer travel period.
Passengers travelling during the peak season are advised to plan their airport journey carefully, allowing extra time for road traffic, parking, check-in, Immigration, security checks and transfers between concourses before reaching their boarding gates.
Emirates recommends passengers arrive at the airport three hours before departure, complete Immigration procedures at least 1.5 hours before take-off and reach their boarding gate one hour before departure.
The airline has shared a range of services and travel tips to help customers complete their airport journey more efficiently.
Take the Metro to Terminal 3
Passengers travelling to Dubai International Airport can avoid potential road delays by using the Dubai Metro, which connects directly to Emirates Terminal 3.
The Metro provides a convenient option during the summer rush, especially during peak departure periods when traffic around the airport can increase.
Dubai Metro operating hours are:
- Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
- Friday: 5am to 1am
- Sunday: 8am to midnight
Travellers using public transport are still advised to allow sufficient time for the journey, airport procedures and reaching their boarding gate.
Check in online or through the Emirates app
Passengers can complete check-in before arriving at the airport through Emirates or the Emirates app.
Online and app check-in open 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, allowing customers to confirm their travel details, select seats and access digital boarding passes for most destinations.
The Emirates app also provides access to flight updates, notifications, meal details, Business Class hot meal pre-orders, chauffeur drive bookings and entertainment planning through the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system.
Customers can also manage bookings, make changes and access key travel information directly from their devices.
Drop bags early before the flight
Emirates passengers departing from Dubai can save time by checking in luggage before the day of travel.
The airline allows customers to drop off bags at Dubai International Airport up to 24 hours before departure. For flights to the United States, passengers can complete early bag drop up to 12 hours before departure.
After dropping luggage, travellers can arrive on the day of the flight and proceed directly to Immigration.
Use Emirates City Check-in services
Passengers can complete check-in away from the airport through Emirates City Check-in facilities in Dubai and Ajman.
At the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), customers can check in and drop bags from 24 hours before departure until four hours before their flight.
The facility operates daily from 8am to midnight until 10 August and offers self-service kiosks as well as assistance from Emirates representatives.
Passengers in Ajman can use Emirates City Check-in at Ajman Central Bus Terminal, which is available 24 hours a day. Customers can check in between 24 hours and four hours before departure.
Choose Home Check-in services
Travellers departing from Dubai and Sharjah can also use Emirates’ Home Check-in service, where agents complete airport check-in at a customer’s home, hotel or office.
The service allows passengers to complete check-in procedures and hand over their luggage before travelling to the airport, making it possible to arrive with only cabin baggage.
Home Check-in must be booked at least 24 hours before departure. The service is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Emirates Skywards members.
Use self-service options at the airport
Passengers can reduce waiting times by using Emirates self-check-in kiosks, bag drop machines and Check-in Ports available at Terminal 3.
The Emirates Check-in Ports, located near the terminal entrance, allow customers to complete baggage drop quickly and continue towards security procedures.
Emirates Skywards members can also register for Emirates Biometrics through the Emirates app before travelling. The service uses facial recognition technology to help eligible passengers move through selected airport touchpoints more smoothly.
Know the airport transport options
Dubai International’s Terminal 3 includes several transport options for passengers connecting between Emirates concourses.
Travellers moving between Concourse A and Concourse B can use the complimentary airport train service.
A shuttle bus operates between Concourse A and Concourse C 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service departs every 20 minutes, with an average travel time of 20 minutes.
First Class passengers can request dedicated Emirates buggies, while Dubai Airport buggies are available free of charge for all passengers, with priority given to elderly travellers, families with children and People of Determination.
Pack carefully to avoid delays
Emirates advises passengers to review baggage rules before arriving at the airport, particularly regarding restricted items.
Power banks are permitted in hand baggage but are not allowed in checked luggage.
Smart bags can be carried in the cabin if the battery is removable and the bag meets cabin baggage size and weight limits. Batteries may remain installed if the smart bag is fully switched off.
Electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense Burners and other battery-powered personal vapour devices must be protected against accidental activation and are only permitted in carry-on baggage.
Pre-order Emirates shopping before flying
Passengers can save time by using EmiratesRED to pre-order selected retail products before their flight.
The service is available on most flights and allows customers to shop from 21 days until 40 hours before departure. Orders are delivered directly to passengers’ seats during the flight.
The Emirates RED summer catalogue includes more than 200 products from brands including Hermès, Parfums de Marly, Tom Ford, Creed Fragrances and Jo Malone London.
Customers who pre-order can use the code RED10 to receive a 10 per cent saving.
Access dedicated support for People of Determination
Emirates provides dedicated travel support for People of Determination through trained airline and airport staff.
Support includes a pre-planning guide for Dubai International Airport, two hours of complimentary airport parking and access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security and boarding when required.
Passengers can review accessibility information through the Accessible Travel section on the official website and contact their local Emirates office for additional assistance before travelling.