Over 300,000 passengers were set to travel through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) during Easter weekend, April 18–21, 2025, according to Emirates. Faced with one of its busiest holiday periods, the airline issued a detailed travel advisory urging passengers to plan journeys well in advance and arrive at the airport early.
Check In Online Up to 48 Hours Before Departure
Emirates advised all passengers to complete check-in via its official website or mobile app starting 48 hours before departure. Generating a digital boarding pass in advance helps reduce congestion at the terminal and speeds up the overall departure process.
For most flights departing from Terminal 3, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Passengers on US-bound flights can begin check-in 12 hours before their scheduled departure time.
City Check-In Options Available at Two Locations
Travellers who prefer to check in off-site can use the Emirates City Check-In & Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, or the Ajman Central Bus Terminal. Both locations accept check-in from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure — with the exception of US-bound flights.
Emirates also recommended dropping off baggage the evening before departure. Passengers who do so can proceed directly to Immigration or use the biometric gates on the day of their flight, bypassing standard bag-drop queues entirely.
Arrive at the Airport 90 Minutes Before Departure
All passengers must clear passport control and security at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Emirates reminded travellers that gates close 20 minutes before departure — passengers who arrive after gates are locked will not be permitted to board.
Class-Specific Gate Arrival Times
Emirates set separate gate arrival deadlines based on cabin class for the Easter weekend period:
- Premium Economy and Economy Class: arrive at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure. - First and Business Class: arrive at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before departure.
Emirates Committed to On-Time Operations
Despite the volume of travellers expected, Emirates confirmed it intends to operate its Easter weekend flights on schedule. The airline stressed that following these guidelines is key to maintaining smooth operations for all passengers during this high-demand period.
Travellers departing from Dubai Terminal 3 over the Easter holiday are strongly encouraged to check Emirates' website for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
