Planning to fly this summer? Expect Dubai International Airport (DXB) to be especially busy as the holiday travel season gathers pace.

Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates has warned of a surge in passenger traffic at Terminal 3 starting July 3, with heavy travel expected throughout the summer break. Here’s how you can avoid delays and make your journey smoother.

1. Arrive early

Emirates recommends arriving at least three hours before departure.

Passengers should aim to:

• Clear Immigration 90 minutes before departure.
• Reach their boarding gate at least one hour before take-off.

2. Use the Dubai Metro

To avoid traffic congestion and long drop-off queues, Emirates advises passengers to travel to the airport via the Dubai Metro, which has direct access to Terminal 3.

3. Check in online before leaving home

Passengers can check in through the Emirates app or website 48 hours before departure.

The app also allows travellers to:

• Select seats.
• Download boarding passes.
• Pre-order Business Class meals.

4. Drop your bags a day early

Passengers can check in and drop off their luggage up to 24 hours before departure.

For flights to the United States, early bag drop is available up to 12 hours before departure.

5. Use city or home check-in services

To save time at the airport, passengers can use:

• City Check-in at ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, available from 8am to midnight, between 24 and 4 hours before departure.
• 24-hour City Check-in at Ajman Central Bus Terminal.
• Home Check-in in Dubai and Sharjah, where Emirates staff collect luggage and complete check-in from your home. The service is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members and can also be booked by other travellers.

6. Use of Terminal 3 transport services

Terminal 3 offers several free transport options, including:

• A train connecting Concourses A and B.
• A shuttle bus between Concourses A and C every 20 minutes.
• Complimentary buggy services for elderly passengers, families and People of Determination.

With thousands of passengers expected to travel through Dubai International Airport this summer, arriving early and using Emirates’ digital and remote check-in services can help make your journey quicker and less stressful.