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Covid-19 travel requirements for inspections and security procedures will also lead to increased waiting time at the counter.
The two national airlines of the UAE issued a proposal on Tuesday to require passengers to arrive at the airport early to deal with the delays in airport procedures due to the peak of the summer and Eid al-Adha holiday.
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Due to the increased waiting time at the check-in counter, Emirates, the largest international passenger airline, recommends that passengers departing from Dubai International Airport arrive earlier. The airline said it expects a large number of passengers to depart from Dubai during the summer tourist season.
In addition, Covid-19 travel requires inspections and security procedures will also lead to increased counter waiting time.
“The check-in counter will be open 24 hours before your departure from Dubai, and you can check in and check your luggage 24 hours before your departure,” it said.
For US flights, the airline stated that the check-in counter will be open 12 hours before departure. “You can check in in person and put down your luggage early. We encourage you to check in as early as possible and make sure that all relevant documents are prepared.”
Emirates said last month that throughout July, Emirates will fly to 124 cities and increase flights to 12 destinations in Europe, North America and Africa.
Due to the tourist season during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also requires passengers to check in online and arrive early. UAE residents will enjoy a six-day long weekend during the Eid al-Adha next week (i.e. July 19-24).
As travel restrictions often change, Etihad recommends that passengers visit its website to check for the latest updates before traveling.
It is also recommended that passengers share Covid-related travel documents before starting their journey. Approvals will be shared via email, ensuring that passengers have all necessary documents. This process will allow rapid airport check-in procedures at the “verified flight” counter.
“During peak hours, economy class check-in for non-US flights is open 4 hours before departure and closed 1 hour before departure. Business and first class check-in is closed 45 minutes before departure. For US flights, check-in is at the departure Closed two hours before. Boarding of all Etihad Airways flights is closed 20 minutes before departure,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
When travelling to the United States, the national airline stated that all immigration and customs procedures related to the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) will be completed in Abu Dhabi before departure. Guests must be at the USCBP facility at Abu Dhabi Airport at least 90 minutes before departure.
In view of the significant increase in the number of passengers, Etihad Airways will transfer the check-in counters for economy class flights to Beirut, Cairo, Paris and Zurich to Terminal 1 between July 14 and July 17.
Emirates Airline reiterated that their contact center received more calls than expected. Therefore, if the incoming call within 48 hours has nothing to do with travel, it is recommended that passengers consider calling back.
waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
Staff reporter
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