UAE airports are bracing for the first major peak of the summer, with Emirates and Etihad Airways warning that security and immigration queues at Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International could be significantly longer than usual over the next week. In travel advisories issued on May 25, both carriers ask passengers to be inside the terminal at least three hours before departure and at their boarding gate no later than 60 minutes prior to take-off. The guidance comes as private-sector employees begin a six-day break and federal-government staff enjoy nine consecutive days off for Eid Al Adha, fuelling a spike in outbound leisure trips and family visits. DXB, the world’s busiest international hub, handled 7.7 million passengers last month and expects daily departures to exceed 190,000 during the holiday, according to Dubai Airports. Congestion is therefore likely not only at security but also on the roads leading to the airport, prompting Emirates to urge travellers to use the Dubai Metro and to complete online or home check-in wherever possible. At Zayed International, Etihad is extending its home and city check-in promotions—offering bonus Etihad Guest miles and an extra 3 kg baggage allowance—to divert traffic away from peak counters. The Abu Dhabi carrier says guests should review baggage rules carefully, noting that power banks, e-smoking devices and removable-battery smart bags must travel in the cabin. Passengers heading to the US, or those who require special assistance, are still required to check in at the airport counters. Corporate mobility managers are advising staff to build additional buffer time into door-to-gate journeys, particularly for Monday-morning departures when road traffic is heaviest. Companies with regional project teams rotating in and out of the Emirates this week are also reminding travellers that no-show clauses in most UAE-origin tickets mean missed flights can wipe out the return segment and any advance upgrades. Practical tips for business travellers include pre-registering on the UAEICP app to speed e-gate clearance, using smart gates at DXB’s Terminal 3 if holding a biometric passport or Emirates ID, and arranging company-sponsored airport transfers to avoid last-minute ride-hailing surcharges. Mobility teams should monitor airline apps for gate changes and irregular operations alerts, and consider issuing corporate travel waivers if staff are transiting through high-risk connection windows during the holiday.
Source: The National
