As travel activity increases ahead of Eid Al Adha, Emirates has issued a travel advisory for passengers flying through Dubai International Airport (DXB) between June 1 and 9, 2025. The airline is expecting a surge in passenger numbers and recommends early planning to ensure a smooth airport experience.
Dubai International Airport welcomed 92.3 million passengers in 2024 and is forecast to handle 96 million in 2025. Emirates encourages travellers to prepare for longer queues and increased traffic both on the roads and inside the airport.
Key Travel Guidelines for Emirates Passengers
Arrive Early
Passengers are advised to reach the airport at least three hours before their flight. Emirates recommends completing immigration formalities 1.5 hours before departure and being at the boarding gate at least one hour prior to departure time.
Use Online Check-in and the Emirates App
Passengers can check in through the Emirates app or website up to 48 hours before flight time. The app also provides access to flight information, boarding passes, chauffeur drive bookings, inflight entertainment planning, and meal pre-selection in Business Class.
Drop Luggage Off Early
Emirates allows passengers to drop their bags at the airport the night before their flight free of charge. For flights to the United States, bags can be checked in 24 to 12 hours before departure. This service allows travellers to head directly to immigration on the day of travel.
City Check-in Option
Passengers can also use the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Here, travellers can check in and drop off luggage up to 24 hours and no less than 4 hours before departure, using self-service kiosks or assistance from Emirates agents or the robot check-in agent, Sara.
Home Check-in Service
Emirates offers home check-in in Dubai and Sharjah, where staff complete the check-in process at the passenger’s location and transport checked luggage to the airport. This service must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members.
Getting Around the Airport
Passengers can use a complimentary train to travel between Concourses A and B in Terminal 3. A shuttle bus service also runs between Concourses A and C every 20 minutes, available 24 hours a day. Buggy service is available for First Class travellers, and Dubai Airport Buggies are accessible free of charge, with priority for families, senior citizens, and People of Determination.
Baggage Reminders
Passengers should follow baggage safety regulations:
- Power banks are allowed only in hand luggage.
- Smart bags are permitted in the cabin if batteries are removable or the bag is fully powered off.
- E-cigarettes and other battery-powered vaporisers are allowed only in carry-on baggage and must be individually protected.
Pre-order Duty-Free Shopping
Passengers can pre-order Duty-Free items on EmiratesRED.com from 21 days up to 40 hours before departure. During Eid Al Adha, passengers can enjoy a 10 percent discount by using the code ‘REDMAG’ at checkout. Products will be delivered directly to the passenger’s seat.
Accessibility Support
People of Determination can receive dedicated support including pre-planning assistance, two hours of complimentary parking, and priority access at check-in, immigration, security, and boarding. More details are available on the Emirates accessible travel page.
Free Ice Cream During Eid
From June 6 to 20, passengers travelling through DXB on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 12 pm and 6 pm can enjoy free Emirates ice cream. Four carts will be placed across departure areas, offering flavours like mango, chocolate, strawberry, passionfruit sorbet, and raspberry sorbet.
Passengers are encouraged to make use of early check-in options, digital tools, and additional services to ensure a relaxed and hassle-free travel experience during the busy Eid holiday period.Tools
