Travellers issued warning as UAE airports brace for post New Year rush

Congestion likely to be made worse by road works around Dubai airport

A man who tried to smuggle more than 18 kilograms of drugs into the UAE has been jailed for seven years.  Reuters

Passengers flying out of Dubai have been warned to get to the airport early as airlines brace themselves for a post-festive rush.

The number of travellers using the airport is expected to peak on Wednesday, as tens of thousands of expats return from spending Christmas abroad and other holidaymakers leave the UAE.

Congestion is likely to be made worse by road works around the airport, with flyers being told to leave extra time to ensure they reach their flights.

Emirates airline said people should arrive at the airport at least three hours before scheduled departure times, and should check in at least two hours before their flights are due to take off.

“More than 180,000 travellers will be making their way to Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 facilities from 1-5 January 2019,” a statement from Emirates said.

“Roughly the same number of travellers will be arriving into Dubai from 31 December until just after New Year’s Day. The busiest day in the first week of 2019 is expected on Wednesday 2 January.

“With road works happening around the main airport highways and roads during this time, Emirates urges customers to build in extra time for their journeys to avoid potential delays.”

Customers who check in less than 60 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted for travel, Emirates said.