Emirates has flagged a very busy week ahead at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, as over 30,000 travellers per day are expected to depart between June 26 and June 30, marking the start of the summer holiday season.

The airline is urging customers to arrive early and plan ahead to avoid missing flights due to heavier traffic, crowded terminals, and longer wait times at check-in, immigration, and boarding gates.

Emirates’ key travel tips for a smooth journey:

• Arrive at the airport: At least 3 hours before your flight
• Clear immigration: At least 1.5 hours before departure
• Reach your gate: 1 hour before take-off

Download the Emirates App

Access your boarding pass, track flight updates, select meals, pre-book chauffeur services, and even queue your favourite in-flight entertainment.

Save time with early baggage drop-off

• At the airport: Drop bags 24 hours before departure (or 12 hours for US flights)
• City Check-In (DIFC): Emirates City Check‑in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place lets passengers check in from 8am to 10pm, up to 4 hours before their flight.
• At home: Emirates’ Home Check-In service (free for First Class and Skywards Platinum members) picks up your luggage and completes check-in from your home, office or hotel.

Getting around Terminal 3

• Complimentary train between Concourses A and B
• Shuttle bus between Concourses A and C every 20 minutes
• Buggy service available for First Class passengers and families

Baggage rules reminder

• Power banks: Only in hand luggage
• Smart bags: Allowed in cabin only if batteries are removable and turned off
• E-cigarettes and vaporisers: Must be carried on and safely stored

Pre-order duty-free shopping

Choose from over 200 luxury products and get them delivered to your seat. 

Support for People of Determination

• Priority lanes, assistance from trained staff, and 2 hours of free airport parking
• Visit Emirates.com for accessible travel info or contact your local office

Pro tip: Don’t be late to your gate, traffic, long walks between concourses, and peak-hour congestion could cost you your flight.