Dubai International (DXB) will remain exceptionally busy over the coming days well into the New Year on account of the holiday season, prompting Dubai Airports to issue a travel alert. The operator is urging passengers to plan their trip to and through the airport and follow simple travel tips to ensure a smooth airport experience.
DXB’s average daily passenger numbers have risen almost back to pre-pandemic levels on the back of strong recovery throughout 2022, making this latest seasonal peak one of busiest since 2019.
Over the next eight days starting December 27, nearly 2 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB, with average daily traffic reaching 245,000 passengers. January 2 is expected to be the busiest day with traffic exceeding 257,000 passengers.
December has been exceptionally busy for DXB owing to a combination of factors including the seasonal influx of visitors, the recently concluded football event in Doha, and Dubai’s emergence as a preferred tourist destination over the past two years.
Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers, the operator has urged travelers to follow a few simple tips to beat the holiday rush.
• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• The roads to the airport could get busy during peak times. It’s best to plan some extra time to get to and through the airport.
• If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure.
• Use online and self-service options wherever available to get off to a smooth start to your journey.
• Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate’s convenient early and self-service check-in facilities.
• Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport.
• Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport. Dubai Metro, which has stations at DXB’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, will be operational round the clock from December 31, 2022, to January 1, 2023.
• Say your goodbyes at home as typically only passengers are allowed inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Friends and families are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort as access to the arrival forecourt in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are limited to public transport and other authorized vehicles.