Dubai International Airport Prepares for a Record Holiday Influx

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for an extraordinary holiday season, expecting to welcome more than 10 million travellers from 27 November through 31 December 2025. The influx is set to kick off with the UAE National Day long weekend, with daily averages projected around 294,000 passengers.

In December alone, the airport is forecasted to have its busiest month on record, with over 8.7 million guests anticipated. Daily traffic is likely to pass 300,000 travellers, peaking on Saturday, 20 December at approximately 303,000 passengers.

Passenger patterns will follow a familiar flow: before the National Day break, outbound travel predominates as many residents embark on short getaways. Come mid-December, a shift occurs, with inbound traffic surging thanks to the festive calendar packed with international events and tourism activities.

To streamline the holiday rush, Dubai Airports collaborates closely with its oneDXB partners, including airlines, regulatory authorities, and airport teams, to facilitate efficient travel experiences.

DXB has also provided valuable tips for travelers to navigate the busy period:

• Emirates passengers are encouraged to utilize home check-in, early check-in, self-service kiosks, and the city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC.

• Travelers should arrive at the airport no more than three hours prior to departure and make use of online check-in whenever possible.

• Families traveling with children aged 12 and older may benefit from Smart Gates for expedited passport control.

• Passengers in Emirates First and Business Class flying from Terminal 3 can utilize the “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel for a rapid, document-free passport check.

• It's advisable for travelers to stay informed on destination travel requirements and have necessary documents readily available.

• Any spare batteries or power banks should be packed in carry-on luggage.

• During peak times, only passengers will be permitted in terminals, so farewells should occur outside.

• The Dubai Metro is a convenient option for reaching Terminals 1 and 3, with extended service hours on festive days.

• Enhanced services for People of Determination include accessible routes, Sunflower Lanyard assistance, and a special lounge in Terminal 2.

• Passengers can track their flight status and gate information through DXB Express Maps, accessible via QR code.

• While waiting for flights, travelers can enjoy a diverse selection of dining, shopping, and lounge options at DXB.

With detailed preparations underway and anticipated passenger volumes set to surpass prior records, Dubai International Airport is poised for a bustling and well-coordinated holiday season.