UAE airlines get ready for a half-term rush as travel comes back in full flight

This weekend will be a busy one at Dubai International Airport as holidaymakers jet off on their travels at the start of the UAE’s half-term holidays.

Passengers leaving from Terminal 3 should aim to get to the airport at least four hours before their flight’s departure time, Emirates said.

The Dubai airline is getting ready for a hectic few days, with more than 190,000 travellers set to fly this weekend.

Those flying on Friday can expect to be among the largest crowds at the airport, with traveller numbers reaching a peak on Friday morning.

Passenger traffic is expected to remain high until Thursday, October 28, the airline said.

Emirates is also getting set to fly more than 430,000 travellers into Dubai over the same period.

With travel demand returning, tourists will be flying to Dubai in search of some winter sunshine. Expo 2020 Dubai is also attracting visitors from overseas.

Emirates reminded customers to check the latest travel requirements and entry rules for their destinations.

The announcement follows a statement from Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE.

Etihad issued tips for halfterm travellers flying in and out of the capital, citing a busy period at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Etihad said that “given the significant increase in passenger numbers”, travellers flying to Cairo on Flight EY653, or to Riyadh on Flight EY2317 on Friday, should check-in at Terminal 1, instead of Etihad’s Terminal 3.

John Wright, Etihad vice president for global airports and network operations, said: “We’re adding extra staff at the airport and will do everything we can to help make sure it’s a smooth travel experience.”