Dubai International Airport is preparing for its busiest December on record, with Emirates expecting more than 88,000 daily customer departures during peak festive travel days in 2024. That marks a nearly 19% jump from the same period in 2023, when daily departures from Dubai peaked at around 75,000.
Record Passenger Numbers Expected This December
The surge in demand has already been reflected in daily figures throughout 2024, with some days registering as many as 89,000 departures — a new milestone for the airline.
Emirates has identified the following windows as the busiest for travellers departing Dubai this festive season:
- December 12–15 — early holiday rush - December 20–22 — pre-Christmas travel peak - December 27–29 — pre-New Year's Eve surge
On all of these dates, daily customer departures are expected to exceed 88,000.
How to Avoid the Festive Queues at Dubai Airport
With demand running at record levels, Emirates is urging passengers to plan ahead and take advantage of the airline's range of check-in options.
Arrive early. Emirates recommends arriving at Dubai International Airport at least 3 hours before departure and keeping a close eye on boarding times to reach the gate on time.
Use the Emirates app. Passengers can check in online or via the Emirates app up to 48 hours before their flight, pre-select seats, and verify travel documents — all before stepping foot in the airport.
Drop bags early. Emirates is offering an early baggage drop service from 24 hours before departure (12 hours for US-bound flights), letting passengers skip the check-in desk entirely on the day of travel.
City Check-In and Home Check-In Options
For travellers who want to beat the airport crowd entirely, Emirates offers two off-airport check-in alternatives:
Emirates City Check-In & Travel Store, DIFC — Open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, this facility accepts check-ins from 24 hours up to 4 hours before a flight. It features self-service kiosks, staffed agent desks, and Sara, billed as the world's first robot check-in agent.
Home Check-In (Dubai and Sharjah) — Emirates agents come directly to a passenger's home, hotel, or office to complete check-in and collect bags. The service is complimentary for First Class passengers and Skywards Platinum members; all others can book it at least 24 hours before departure. Passengers using this service can arrive at the airport with hand luggage only.
In-Flight Festive Experience
Beyond logistics, Emirates is enhancing the onboard experience for holiday travellers. Passengers can expect a festive in-flight menu, New Year's gifts, and smooth connecting transfers across the Emirates network.
Whether travelling home for the holidays or heading out on a winter escape, Emirates continues to be the airline of choice for millions of passengers departing Dubai each December — and with numbers climbing to new heights, the earlier passengers prepare, the smoother their journey will be.
