Dubai International Airport (DXB) has issued a travel advisory as it gears up for one of its busiest periods of the year, with more than 3.6 million travelers expected to pass through its terminals between August 13 and 25.
The airport recorded its heaviest traffic on Friday, August 15, when daily passenger numbers surged past 290,000. The sharp rise comes as families and students return to Dubai in time for the reopening of schools.
This surge further cements DXB’s position as the world’s busiest international hub, with more than 46 million guests already handled in the first half of 2025. To cope with the high demand, Dubai Airports said it is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and service partners to deliver a “seamless, stress-free journey” for passengers.
To ease congestion, travelers are being urged to take the Dubai Metro, which has direct access to Terminals 1 and 3, and to use Smart Gates for quicker passport control, especially for families with children aged 12 and above. Passengers are also encouraged to use DXB Express Maps, a digital tool accessible via QR codes on flight information screens, to track real-time flight updates.
Additional guidance has been issued for specific airlines: Emirates customers are advised to use early and city check-in services, flydubai passengers should arrive four hours before departure, while travelers on other airlines are recommended to be at the airport three hours prior to their flights.
Authorities also reminded guests to review baggage regulations, prepare metal items in advance for security checks, and follow liquid and gel restrictions to avoid delays.
