Emirates anticipates a busy travel period during Eid

65% increase in bookings compared to Eid period last year

Emirates is expecting more than  300,000 passengers to travel out of the UAE in September and the upcoming Eid Al Adha period as travellers head home or abroad for short holidays. Over 76,000 customers will travel on 18 September with Emirates, according to the airline's latest booking figures. The overall figures represent an increase of almost 65% over last year.

The busiest day for the airline will be on Friday 18 September, although high passenger traffic is expected starting from 17 to 28 September. This year, the top destinations that travellers are heading to are Dhaka, Mumbai,  London, Karachi and Cairo. In addition, short haul travel will constitute around 52% of bookings while long haul travel is expected at 48%.

Emirates will be accommodating for over 20,000 Hajj travellers during the pilgrimage period as well.

On the inbound front and throughout September and the Eid Al Adha period, Emirates is expecting over 190,000 passengers to arrive into Dubai from destinations in the UK, India, Germany, Australia, US and South Africa.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Centre, said: "We continue to see travellers coming back in greater numbers  during holiday periods, which is a testament to the outstanding customer experience Emirates provides so we are well-positioned to continue building on that success. We believe that all parts of the customer journey are important to passengers .Whether it's their airport experience from checking in, our generous baggage allowance, warm and friendly crew, internationally inspired cuisine, on board connectivity and our ice entertainment system, passengers enjoy the greatest value possible from their experience with us."

On all Emirates flights, all passengers benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. Passengers travelling to visit friends and family, or even on short shopping breaks have come to expect ample allowances when travelling with Emirates.

For families, Emirates has designated special areas for families consisting of 10 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3, Area 2, that are designed with their needs in mind. In addition, special stroller services both upon departure and arrival enable parents access to prams heading to their gate and immediately upon leaving the aircraft. Families also enjoy priority boarding to ensure a seamless experience all the way to departure. In the Emirates Dubai lounges, special children's play and entertainment areas with arcade quality games ensure that they never get bored.

Waitlisted economy passenger check in Area 6 is now serviced by a dedicated Costa coffee kiosk as well.

As with any busy travel period, Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport. Check-in is available up to 24 hours before flight departures out of Dubai.

Customers are also urged to check-in online, use the convenient Self Service Kiosks or baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience.  Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance.

Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. These time checks will ensure the minimization of delays and missed connections. Transit passengers from flights arriving late into Dubai will be escorted by Emirates' airport staff to ensure they make their onward connections.

Customers travelling to the United States, Canada and the UK are reminded to charge their electronic devices before getting to the airport, as they will be required to switch on these devices at the relevant boarding gates where screenings will take place, or risk being denied access to fly.

Key time checks for Emirates passengers:

Check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel

Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure

Customers are advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before flight departure

Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure