Dubai airport braced for 1 million...

An estimated one million passengers will pass through Dubai International Airport between 12 and 22 August

With Islamic New Year, a national holiday across the GCC, falling on Thursday 12 August, many residents are taking the opportunity to travel for the long weekend, and some are extending their travels by a week to take a 10-day holiday.

The UAE, Qatar and Bahrain recently joined Kuwait and KSA on the UK’s amber list. This was a particularly welcome move for UK expats desperate to be reunited with family as they can now quarantine for the mandatory period of 10 days at home in England.

In response to the regulation change, the GCC’s national carriers have introduced more flights to destinations throughout the UK.

In addition, the UAE recently eased travel regulations for inbound and transit passengers from several Asian and African countries, including India, and there’s typically a seasonal peak at the end of school summer holidays when families travel back to the GCC.

As a result of these combined factors, airports in the region are expecting two back-to-back busy weekends

Dubai Airports has urged travellers to stay abreast of the latest travel regulations and requirements. As the world’s busiest international airport, it’s expecting to handle more than a million passengers between 12 and 22 August, with daily peaks averaging 100,000 passengers during weekends.

Essa Al Shamsi, vice president of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “We’re prepared, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure that passengers have a safe and smooth experience at DXB. But given the recent changes in travel requirements, which can often differ depending on the starting point and the destination of a journey, passengers can make a big difference to their airport experience by following a few simple rules and tips.

“Considering that volume of passengers will be significantly higher in the arrivals area during this period, it is important that ‘meeters and greeters’ do not congest the road in the terminal forecourt and that they pick up their arriving friends and family in comfort by using the car park or valet service.”

Dubai Airports’ Recommended Check List for Travellers

Always check with the airline for information on travel requirements specific to your journey
Confirm the terminal your flight is arriving into/departing from before coming to the airport
Make sure you are aware of and meet the travel requirements of the country you are travelling to (including a negative PCR test report before the start of their journey)
Use the airport’s ample designated parking areas or valet service to collect guests. Stopping vehicles to pick up guests from the arrivals forecourt is a traffic violation and causes congestion in and around the terminal
Ensure you always wear a protective face mask and maintain physical distancing at the airport
Abstain from travelling or visiting public places and seek medical advice if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms
Ensure that your travel documents (passport and visa) are valid before heading to the airport
Say your goodbyes at home to help avoid crowding at the terminal forecourt

Dubai Airports reps say they are working closely with its partners, including 55 international carriers, more than 100 food, beverage and retail outlets, and control and health authorities to ensure the well-being and comfort of the customers.

For more information, visit www.dubaiairports.ae