Emirates has issued advice for passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 as the summer 2026 holiday season begins. Travel is expected to increase from the July 3–5 weekend, with busy weekends throughout the season.
The airline urged travellers to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach the airport because of expected traffic on nearby roads, larger passenger numbers inside the terminal and the time needed to reach boarding gates, according to its website.
Emirates recommends arriving at least three hours before departure and reaching the gate one hour before the flight to avoid delays during peak periods.
Take Dubai Metro
Emirates recommends the metro for direct access to Terminal 3, particularly during road congestion.
Metro operating hours are 5:00 a.m.–midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday; 5:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. on Friday; and 8:00 a.m.–midnight on Sunday.
Check in online
Passengers can check in through the Emirates website or app from 48 hours before departure, select seats, download digital boarding passes for most destinations and receive flight notifications.
The app also allows booking changes, meal previews, advance selection of a hot meal in Business Class, Chauffeur-drive bookings and selection of entertainment through ice.
Drop off baggage early
Passengers departing Dubai can drop off bags at the airport up to 24 hours before their flight, or 12 hours before US-bound flights. With check-in and baggage completed beforehand, they can proceed directly to passport control on their travel day.
Check in at DIFC or Ajman
Emirates offers check-in and baggage drop at its City Check-in and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place at Dubai International Financial Centre, from 24 hours until four hours before departure.
The centre operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to midnight until August 10, with self-service kiosks and staffed counters.
The Emirates facility at Ajman Central Bus Station also offers remote check-in from 24 hours until four hours before departure and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Home Check-in
Passengers in Dubai and Sharjah can book Home Check-in, with staff completing formalities at their home, hotel or office and transporting baggage to the flight.
The service must be booked at least 24 hours before departure and is complimentary for First Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members.
Use self-service and biometric facilities
Emirates encourages passengers to use self-service check-in and baggage-drop kiosks or dedicated Emirates facilities to reduce airport waiting times.
Emirates Skywards members can register for Emirates’ biometric service through the app before travel, using facial recognition for a smoother airport journey.
Getting around Terminal 3
A free train connects Concourses A and B. Emirates also operates a 24-hour shuttle between Concourses A and C, departing every 20 minutes, with an average journey time of around 20 minutes.
Emirates airport vehicles are available on request for First Class customers. Dubai Airport buggies are free for all customers, with priority for older travellers, families with children and people of determination.
Pack carefully
Passengers must follow prohibited and restricted-item rules, particularly those concerning power banks, smart bags and electronic cigarettes.
Power banks are permitted only in cabin baggage and must not be placed in checked luggage. Smart bags may be carried in the cabin if their batteries are removable and the bags meet hand-baggage size and weight limits.
Battery-powered electronic cigarettes and personal vaporisers must be safely stored to prevent accidental activation and may be carried only in cabin baggage.
Shop in advance
Passengers can pre-order purchases through EmiratesRED.com for delivery to their seats onboard. Available on most flights, pre-ordering opens 21 days before departure and closes 40 hours beforehand. Flight details must be entered when ordering.
Support for people of determination
Emirates provides dedicated assistance through trained airline and airport staff. Support includes a pre-travel guide for Dubai International Airport, two hours of free parking, priority check-in, passport control and security lanes, and priority boarding where required.
