Dubai-based carrier Emirates has warned of exceptionally high passenger volumes at Dubai International Airport (DXB) over the coming weeks and is urging travellers to arrive at least three hours before departure. In a 24 June 2026 bulletin, the airline said security, immigration and baggage formalities are expected to take longer than usual as schools break up and residents begin their annual leave. Check-in counters, self-service kiosks and baggage-drop ports will open earlier to cope with demand, and passengers are encouraged to complete online check-in, register for biometric fast-track and use city check-in facilities in Ajman and the DIFC to avoid airport congestion. DXB handled a record 24.2 million passengers during the 2025 summer season; airport operator Dubai Airports predicts similar numbers this year, with peak days exceeding 260,000 departing, arriving and transit customers. Immigration queues tend to lengthen at the height of the season, affecting both residents and business visitors who may be on tight schedules.
Travellers should be at their boarding gate 60 minutes before departure and factor road traffic delays into their ground-transport plans.
![Emirates issues peak-summer travel advisory for Dubai departures]()
Should any last-minute visa questions arise, online provider VisaHQ makes it easy to confirm requirements, submit applications and track approvals for the UAE and more than 200 other destinations—helping travellers avoid surprises at the immigration desk. Full details can be found at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
Clients with tight onward meetings may wish to book fast-track immigration services or consider remote check-in options such as Emirates Home Check-in, which allows baggage collection from the traveller’s residence or hotel up to 24 hours before the flight. The advisory does not introduce new entry requirements, but late arrivals risk being off-loaded, and ‘no-show’ fees can be substantial during the peak period. Corporations should circulate the guidance and remind employees to verify passport validity, visa status and any destination-specific health or security documentation well in advance.
Travellers should be at their boarding gate 60 minutes before departure and factor road traffic delays into their ground-transport plans.
Should any last-minute visa questions arise, online provider VisaHQ makes it easy to confirm requirements, submit applications and track approvals for the UAE and more than 200 other destinations—helping travellers avoid surprises at the immigration desk. Full details can be found at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
Clients with tight onward meetings may wish to book fast-track immigration services or consider remote check-in options such as Emirates Home Check-in, which allows baggage collection from the traveller’s residence or hotel up to 24 hours before the flight. The advisory does not introduce new entry requirements, but late arrivals risk being off-loaded, and ‘no-show’ fees can be substantial during the peak period. Corporations should circulate the guidance and remind employees to verify passport validity, visa status and any destination-specific health or security documentation well in advance.
