Dubai International Airport expects 2.1 million passengers during half-term school break

Daily traffic is set to increase from October 21 to October 30

Close to six million passengers have passed through the smart gates at Dubai International Airport during the first seven months of this year. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

The use of smart gates has drastically cut waiting times at the busiest airport in the world.

There are 122 smart gates located throughout the airport.

The airport recorded a 50 per cent increase in people using smart gates this year.

A passenger passes through a smart gate at Dubai International Airport.

Last year, GDRFA-Dubai launched the fast-track biometric passenger journey at all 122 smart gates, which uses face and iris recognition technology.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the department also introduced the ‘Smart Tunnel’ that allows passengers to clear Passport Control within a few seconds.

The airport is expecting 125,000 travellers per day during the busy summer season.

Passengers wait at passport control.

Passengers at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport.

About 2.1 million passengers are expected to pass through Dubai International Airport during the half-term school holidays, between October 21 and October 30.

Schools in the UAE are currently on their mid-term break but those in the UK and many in Europe will have their holidays next week.

Dubai Airports issued an advisory alerting travellers of the rush, as passenger numbers are rising rapidly towards pre-Covid-19 levels.

With pandemic restrictions lifted in many parts of the world, families are opting to travel again.

The total average daily traffic at the Dubai airport is expected to reach 215,000 passengers.

October 30 will be the busiest day, with daily traffic set to exceed 259,000 passengers.

Dubai Airports said it was working closely with airlines, control authorities and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers.

Passengers were advised to be aware of the latest travel regulations for their destination and to have all necessary documents before reaching the airport.

Those travelling with families with children aged over 12 were advised to use the smart gates to speed up the passport control process.

Passengers flying out of Terminal 1 have been encouraged to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.

Those flying out from Terminal 3 can use Emirates’ early and self-service check-in.