Emirates advisory: DXB Terminal 3 busy this weekend

Emirates has issued a travel advisory for passengers flying out of Dubai International Airport this weekend, warning that departures from Terminal 3 are expected to be busy as the summer holiday rush begins.

The airline said high passenger volumes are expected from July 3 to 5, with weekend travel likely to remain heavy through the summer holiday period. Travellers have been urged to plan ahead, allow extra time for airport traffic and use early check-in options to avoid last-minute delays.

Passengers flying with Emirates have been advised to arrive at the airport three hours before departure, clear Immigration one and a half hours before their flight, and reach the boarding gate one hour before departure.

Emirates said customers should factor in possible delays on roads leading to the airport, along with time needed for parking, security screening, Immigration and movement between concourses.

Dubai International is typically busier during the school holiday and summer travel period, when residents leave for annual breaks and visiting families return home. The airline said passengers can reduce waiting time by using online check-in, the Emirates app, self-service kiosks and baggage drop options before reaching the airport.

Online and app check-in open 48 hours before departure. Through the Emirates app, customers can manage flights, download a digital boarding pass for most destinations, receive flight notifications, check onboard meal options and pre-select entertainment.

Passengers departing from Dubai can check in and drop their bags up to 24 hours before departure, or up to 12 hours before departure for flights to the US. Emirates said this allows customers to go directly to Immigration on the day of travel.

The airline is also asking passengers to consider taking the Dubai Metro to Terminal 3 to avoid road traffic. The Metro runs from 5am to midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5am to 1am on Friday, and from 8am to midnight on Sunday.