Emirates expects record number of travellers this week

•  Advices customers to arrive to the airport early to avoid delays

Emirates expects this week to be its busiest of 2014, as travellers head home or abroad for the holiday season. Over 80,000 people will travel on 19 December with Emirates on over 240 flights, according to the airline’s latest booking figures. This represents an increase of almost 23% over last year. The busiest day for the airline is expected on Friday 19 December, although high passenger traffic is expected starting from 16 to 21 December. This year, top destinations out of Dubai include London, Bangkok, Mumbai, Singapore, Paris and Karachi. Mohammed H. Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services said: “With record breaking numbers of passengers flying with Emirates this week, it is our mission to making the journey as seamless and trouble-free as possible. We have deployed extra staff at the airport to assist our customers, and we ask all travellers to be aware of check-in and gate closure timings. They should also allow ample time to get through the various touch-points at the airport, as check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule. Customers who wish to experience the excellent facilities in the airport, such as duty free shops and restaurants, as well as our well-appointed lounges for premium passengers, are also advised to factor in extra time into their travel plans. Ultimately, our goal is to continue to provide world-class service and an outstanding travel experience and this busy period is no exception.” Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport least two hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport as there may be heavy road traffic during the holiday period. Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. These time checks will ensure the minimisation of delays and missed connections. Transit passengers from flights arriving late into Dubai will be escorted by Emirates’ airport staff to ensure they make their onward connections. Customers are also urged to check-in online, use the convenient Self Service Kiosks or baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience. Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance. Customers travelling to the United States, Canada and the UK are reminded to charge their electronic devices before getting to the airport, as they will be required to switch on these devices on at the relevant boarding gates where screenings will take place, or risk being denied access to fly. Across the Emirates network, aircraft upgrades and frequencies have been implemented in order to cope with the high demand over the busy season. Emirates currently operates over 1,600 weekly departures from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3. Key time checks for travellers: n Emirates check-in counters are open three hours before flight departure n Check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel n Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure n Customers are advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before flight departure n Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure,