Dubai flights get busier: Emirates reveals 6 ways to avoid delays at DXB
Peak season guidance for travellers heading overseas during school holidays
DUBAI – Summer travel from Dubai is entering one of the busiest periods of the year, with Emirates issuing an advisory for passengers flying from Dubai International Airport.
The airline has warned that higher passenger volumes during the holiday season could mean longer waiting times at immigration and security checkpoints. Travellers have been advised to plan their airport journey carefully, use available check-in services and allow additional time before departure.
Dubai International Airport, Emirates’ home base, recorded its busiest-ever summer quarter in 2025, with 24.2 million passengers passing through between July and September. As residents prepare for school holidays, family visits and seasonal breaks, Emirates has shared key steps to help passengers manage their airport experience.
Reach early
Emirates has advised passengers to arrive at Dubai International Airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.
The airline said busy travel periods can result in longer processing times at security and immigration, making early arrival essential. Passengers must also reach their boarding gates at least 60 minutes before departure.
All Emirates flights departing from Dubai operate through Terminal 3, and travellers have been advised to consider possible traffic delays while planning their route to the airport.
Check-in ahead
Passengers can save time by completing several travel steps before reaching the airport.
Emirates allows travellers to check in online or through the Emirates app, select seats and complete required travel procedures in advance. Passengers can also check in and drop off their bags 24 hours before departure, while those flying to the US can complete baggage drop 12 hours before their flight.
Additional options include self check-in kiosks, bag drop facilities and Emirates Check-in Ports.
Members of Emirates Skywards can also register for Emirates Biometrics through the Emirates app, allowing eligible passengers to access biometric-enabled airport services and smart gates.
Drop bags early
Travellers who want to avoid airport queues can use Emirates’ early baggage drop and city check-in facilities.
Emirates offers check-in services closer to passengers’ locations between 24 hours and four hours before flights, except for US-bound journeys.
Options include Emirates City Check-in Ajman, which operates 24 hours a day, and Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place. The Dubai facility operates from 8am to 10pm daily, with hours extending from 8am to midnight from July 1.
Passengers can also arrange Emirates Home Check-in, where agents collect luggage from a passenger’s home, hotel or office up to 24 hours before departure.
The service is complimentary for First Class customers and Platinum Emirates Skywards members, while other travellers can access similar luggage collection services through Marhaba.
Use Metro access
To avoid possible road congestion during the summer rush, Emirates has encouraged passengers to consider the Dubai Metro when travelling to Terminal 3.
The metro operates from 5am to midnight from Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 5am to 1am on Fridays, and from 8am to midnight on Sundays.
The direct connection to Emirates Terminal 3 provides an alternative option for passengers travelling during peak periods when roads around Dubai International Airport may be busier.
Prepare documents
Emirates has advised passengers to ensure their contact details are updated under the “Manage Your Booking” section to receive important flight updates.
The airline has also reminded travellers to check restricted items before arriving at the airport, including updated requirements related to power banks. Incorrectly carrying restricted items may lead to additional checks and delays before boarding.
Passengers are encouraged to review baggage requirements and prepare all travel essentials before reaching the airport.
Move faster inside DXB
Once at Dubai International Airport, Emirates passengers have access to several services designed to make movement between areas easier.
Travellers can use the complimentary train service between Concourse B and Concourse A, while a shuttle bus connects Concourse A and Concourse C. The shuttle operates every 20 minutes, with pick-up and drop-off points clearly marked at connection desks.
First Class passengers can request dedicated airport buggies, while Dubai Airport Buggies are available free of charge for all travellers.