Emirates has said travel is expected to reach an “all-time high” at the end of this week as it anticipates yet another busy period with visitors arriving in Dubai for New Year celebrations and the upcoming Dubai Shopping Festival.
Excluding transit passengers, more than 174,000 people are expected to arrive into Dubai from December 28 until just after New Year’s Day, the airline has said in a statement.
“In addition, more than 103,000 travellers will be making their way to Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 facilities between January 2 and 4, 2016, to depart Dubai,” the statement notes, adding that January 2 is expected to be the busiest day to the start of 2016.
Mohamed H Mattar, divisional senior vice-president, Emirates Airport Services, said: “With another record-breaking week coming up, we want to ensure that passing through the airport is as stress-free as possible.”
The airline has also urged passengers to check the permitted list of carry-on and checked-in items for safe travel this holiday season. Spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops as well as hoverboards are restricted from checked-in baggage.
At Dubai, check-in counters open six hours before departure. Passengers can also check in from 24 hours to six hours before departure at the car park check-in area there. The airline has reminded customers to reach the airport at least three hours before their flight departs in view of the anticipated rush.