Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Airports across the UAE are bracing for a significant increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday towards the end of March until early April. Procedures have been put in place to efficiently manage the influx.
In Abu Dhabi, the Zayed International Airport and the national airline Etihad Airways are taking all the necessary steps to prepare for the busy period ahead.
Etihad has proactively issued travel advisories urging passengers to carefully plan their journeys.
"We're preparing to welcome thousands of additional guests during these peak periods. Our teams are fully prepared to ensure every journey begins smoothly, and we recommend travellers take advantage of our numerous check-in options and digital tools to enjoy a relaxed start to their holidays," Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways Interim Chief Operations and Guest Officer, said in a statement.
The airline recommended arriving at least four hours before departure, particularly for flights bound for the US, to ensure smooth handling of security and customs procedures. Additionally, Etihad encouraged travellers to utilise online check-in services available 48 hours in advance, with self-service bag drops provided to expedite processes.
Etihad is also offering innovative services such as home check-in through Morafiq, which allows passengers to complete check-in and baggage drop-off procedures at their homes up to five hours before flight departure. Off-airport check-in services are also located at points around the capital at Yas Mall, Mussafah, Al Ain, and the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.
Across the Country
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing to welcome more than 3.6 million passengers from March 26 to April 7, with the numbers hitting a peak of about 309,000 on April 5. "With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy," a statement from Dubai Airports said.
Anticipating the demand, Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates has scheduled an additional 17 flights to regional destinations, including Amman, Bangkok, Cairo, Karachi, and Mumbai during the Eid period. DXB advised passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to departure and to utilise its recently launched DXB Express Maps, a smart navigation tool providing real-time terminal guidance.
Sharjah Airport is also gearing up for a substantial increase in footfall, expecting to handle more than half a million passengers and approximately 3,344 flights from March 27 to April 6. The Sharjah Airport Authority says they have coordinated comprehensive operational and logistical plans to maintain passenger comfort.
Across the UAE, airports are emphasising the importance of digital check-in procedures, early arrival, and proactive planning to mitigate delays and enhance the overall passenger experience. Services such as premium lounge access, economy extra legroom, and neighbour-free seating options are being promoted to offer added comfort and convenience during what is anticipated to be an exceptionally busy travel period.
