Travelling from DXB? Emirates urges passengers to arrive early ahead of busy New Year weekend

More than 70,000 passengers are expected to fly in and out of Dubai International Airport between January 2 and 3

Emirates says it's expecting a peak travel period this weekend, with more than 70,000 travellers flying in or out of Dubai. Courtesy DAA

If you're jetting in or out of Dubai this weekend, give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.

Emirates has warned travellers to plan ahead of what it says will be another peak travel period, as tourists arrive and residents return to the UAE after trips overseas for Christmas and the New Year.

The airline expects 70,000 passengers to pass through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport between Saturday, January 2, and Sunday, January 3.

• 

  A tourist takes a selfie before he gets a medical screening upon arrival at Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. AFP

• 

  A traveller stands by the electronic entry gates at Terminal 3. AFP

• 

  Tourists and visitors travelling to see family in the UAE. AFP

• 

  A tourist checks her phone as she waits for medical screening. AFP

• 

  The huge arrivals hall at Terminal 3 has been transformed into a screening centre. AFP

• 

  Tourists are asked to get tested in their home countries several days before they depart, but if unable to Dubai's health authority screens them for free. AFP

• 

  Passengers wait to have their documents processed. AFP

• 

  An airport police officer directs a traveller towards medical screening area upon arrival. AFP

• 

  Emirates and airport staff wear disposable gowns and protective gear that can be changed and disposed of easily. AFP

• 

  Visitor numbers are expected to rise after the summer as cooler temperatures arise. AFP

• 

  Both tourists and visitors coming to see family have passed through the airport since inbound flights for non-residents began on Tuesday. AFP

"A high volume of travellers will be making their way to Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 facilities on January 2 and 3, to depart Dubai, in addition to a rush of inbound traffic into the city," said the airline.

The busy festive period comes amid new safety protocols and security checks introduced at DXB this year to help protect travellers against the coronavirus.

Dubai Airports are expecting an estimated 545,000 passengers to pass through DXB in total between Friday, January 1 and Thursday, January 7.

Check in three hours before flights, even if flying Business

Emirates urges travellers to arrive at Dubai airport three hours ahead of flights. Courtesy Emirates

Emirates advises all travellers to arrive at Dubai International Airport no fewer than three hours before their flights.

Those who are running behind schedule will not be allowed to board their flight, the airline said.

"Passengers physically checking in at the airport are requested to check in no later than three hours prior to departure, regardless of class of travel," it said.

Emirates also reminded travellers to check the latest Covid-19 travel and specific testing requirements for their destination. More information on what is needed for both residents and tourists can be found on the airline's website. Information changes regularly so travellers should stay abreast of any updates.

Contactless bag drops and biometric paths

Additional self service check-in and bag drop stations at Dubai's Terminal 3 aim to reduce waiting times during busy periods. Courtesy Emirates

Additional self-check-in facilities and bag drop kiosks are installed in Terminal 3 and are available for passengers flying to most destinations – the US, Canada, China, India and Hong Kong excluded. These facilities are designed to help reduce waiting times during busy periods.

Travellers may also be able to use Emirates' biometric path for a contactless journey. This is available from specific check-in desks in Terminal 3 all the way to select boarding gates. Immigration formalities have also been streamlined with biometrics and facial recognition activated at smart gates and the smart tunnel.

Face masks must be worn at all times in Dubai International Airport and on all Emirates flights, other than when eating or drinking. Children are excluded from this rule.

Emirates will provide all travellers with complimentary hygiene kits that contain gloves, face masks, and hand sanitiser.