Emirates expects surge in traveler numbers over New Year period

Emirates is gearing up for a busy New Year. The Dubai-based carrier announced it expects to see a high volume of passengers departing and arriving into Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates over the New Year weekend and holidays season.  

Almost 1 million passengers are predicted to pass through Dubai between December 30, 2021, and January 10, 2022.  

In a statement dated December 30, 2021, Emirates announced that “only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed [to enter] the Terminal 3”. This is in line with increased COVID-19 health and safety measures.  

“Emirates’ customers may check-in as early as 24 hours before their flight departure using the 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks available at Terminal 3, or Emirates’ check-in desks. Passengers traveling to the US can check-in 12 hours before departure at Emirates’ check-in desks. [...] Customers using the self-service kiosk will receive their boarding passes on the spot, but must still complete their immigration formalities no later than 60 minutes before their flight departure,” the airline advised.  

The carrier added: “Passengers also have the convenient option to check-in online up to 48 hours and until 90 minutes before their flight departure, through Emirates’ official website or the mobile app, and download digital boarding passes on their mobile phones for select destinations.” 

On December 28, 2021, due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, particularly the Omicron strain, and rising infection rates in the UAE, Emirates temporarily suspended the entry of travelers from eight destinations in Africa until further notice.   

The move affected multiple African destinations, including Angola (LAD), Guinea (CKY), Kenya (NBO), Tanzania (DAR), Uganda (EBB), Ghana (ACC), Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (ABJ), Ethiopia (ADD), Zambia (LUN) and Zimbabwe (HRE). However, the restriction has not been applied to outbound passenger flights.