4.4 million passengers dashing through DXB this festive season

As the festive season gets underway, Dubai International (DXB) is gearing up to welcome an estimated 4.4 million passengers from December 15-31, with the average total daily traffic reaching 258,000.

The world’s most connected and biggest international airport is preparing for an exceptional spike in guest numbers on Friday, December 22, which is expected to be the busiest day, with around 279,000 travellers.

A surge in arrivals is anticipated to hit during the last two weekends of 2023, with half a million passengers – mainly comprising point to point traffic, expected to arrive over six days from December 22 to 24, and from December 29 to 31.

Here are DXB’s top tips to beat the festive rush:

• If you’re flying with Emirates, use the airline’s convenient home, early and self-service check-in facilities as well as a city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC area in Dubai and the dedicated facility in Ajman.
• Flydubai passengers should arrive at least four hours before their departure time.
• If you’re travelling with other airlines, arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before the scheduled departure time. Use online check-in where available to save time.
• Families with children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you’re travelling to, and be prepared with all the necessary travel documents.
• Weigh luggage at home, assemble documents in advance and be prepared for security checks to minimise stress and delays.
• Properly pack spare batteries and power banks in your hand luggage.
• Say your goodbyes at home as only passengers will be allowed inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Use Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. Metro operating times are generally extended during festive holidays and peak periods at DXB.
• Avoid Airport Road leading to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 if you can; or expect to experience congestion during peak hours.
• Access to the arrivals’ forecourts in both Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only. Those visiting the airport to pick-up guests should use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services.