Dubai Airports expects 214,000 daily passengers from June 24: how to beat the rush

The airport has issued some tips for travellers

Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports

Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.

Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.

The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.

Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.

The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.

Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.

Visitor numbers are expected to increase.

Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.

Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.

The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.

A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.

Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.

Passengers travelling from Dubai over the coming weeks should prepare for an “exceptionally busy” period, Dubai Airports has said.

As the result of schools breaking for summer, about 2.4 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between Friday and July 4, averaging 214,000 people per day.

The operator has said that July 2 is expected to be the busiest day, with traveller numbers exceeding 235,000.

Similar numbers are expected between July 8 and 9, as people travel for the Eid Al Adha break.

Dubai Airports is working with partner airlines, control authorities and commercial partners to ensure a smooth travel process for passengers, but are advising a few simple steps they can follow to beat the holiday rush.

Weigh luggage at home

Make sure you are aware of your baggage allowance and stick to it, so that you are not left rearranging cases at check-in and holding up queues.

Make sure you have all documents ready

Ensure you are prepared with all documentation you might need, including visas and Covid-19 information, such as proof of vaccination or PCR tests, if your destination requires it.

Use online check-in where possible

And if you are flying from Terminal 1, ensure you arrive at the airport no earlier than three hours ahead of your departure time.

Swap a taxi for the metro

If you live close to a Dubai Metro line, it could save time, as taxi queues at departures are expected to be long. Metro operating times are being extended for the Eid holiday.

Use car parks or valet when picking up guests

Stick to the car parks or valet service, especially at Terminal 3, where the arrivals forecourt is limited to public transport and authorised vehicles only.

Despite DXB’s reduction in capacity resulting from the 45-day closure of the northern runway for restoration work, the airport clocked 13.6m in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2022. Operators are forecasting traffic will reach 58.7m travellers this year, doubling from 29.1m in 2021. In 2019, before the pandemic, 86.4m people passed through the airport.

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