Emirates has issued a major travel advisory for December as Dubai prepares for one of its busiest holiday periods in years, with more than 2.3m departures and 2.5m arrivals expected across the month.
The airline said the surge is being driven by peak tourist season, a packed calendar of local events and recent KHDA schedule changes that have left most schools closed for much of December.
Emirates urged customers to plan journeys carefully, citing the likelihood of heavy road traffic, busy airport carparks and significantly higher passenger volumes at Dubai International (DXB) throughout the festive period.
Emirates travel warning
To help ease pressure during the peak season, the airline released a set of recommendations and service options aimed at reducing waiting times and giving passengers a more seamless airport experience.
Emirates’ top five ways to reduce waiting times at DXB:
- Arrive early: The airline recommends that travellers align on key timings to avoid delays: arriving at the airport three hours before departure, passing Immigration 1.5 hours before departure, and reaching the correct boarding gate one hour before departure.
- Advance and biometric check-in: Customers are encouraged to check in online 48 hours in advance, access a digital boarding pass for most destinations and receive real-time notifications. Passengers can also use the Emirates app to register for biometric processing at DXB, speeding up smart-gate entry, boarding and lounge access.
- Remote luggage drop-off: Passengers can check in and drop luggage at ICD Brookfield Place in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with free parking available. Travellers can drop their bags as early as 24 hours before departure and up to four hours before the flight. Between December 15 and January 15, customers checking in here will earn 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles each — including children — meaning a family of four could earn 10,000 miles. Emirates extends the hours to midnight during this period. Customers can also use the 24-hour Emirates City Check In Ajman.
Luggage tips
- 4. Advanced luggage drop off: Passengers can drop off bags at the airport 24 hours before departure (or 12 hours before for US flights). Emirates also offers home check-in in Dubai and Sharjah, where agents complete the check-in process and collect luggage. The service is complimentary for First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members.
- 5. Meet baggage requirements: Travellers must follow safety and restricted-items rules, including limits on power banks under 100 Watt Hours and new requirements for smart bags and e-cigarette devices.
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