Airlines and airport authorities across the UAE are advising passengers to build extra time into their journeys as New Year travel demand surges, with congestion expected on roads and inside terminals in the coming days.
The guidance applies to residents and visitors flying through Dubai and Sharjah during New Year’s Eve and the first week of January 2026, a period that coincides with a public holiday on January 1 and remote work arrangements across much of the public sector on January 2. Some private companies have also allowed remote work on December 31, a shift that is expected to change traffic patterns while still intensifying movement later in the day due to celebrations.
With New Year’s Eve festivities forecast to create heavy traffic across Dubai, travelers have been encouraged to leave for the airport well ahead of schedule and, where possible, rely on public transport to avoid delays.
Emirates has warned of particularly high volumes between January 2 and 5, when departures and arrivals are expected to peak. “Emirates strongly recommends that customers arrive at the airport 4 hours ahead of departure, preparing for the likelihood of additional traffic on the way to the airport, busier carparks, and a bustling airport,” the airline said.
The carrier reiterated that early arrival allows sufficient time for check-in or baggage drop, immigration procedures, and reaching the boarding gate at least one hour before departure. Passengers have also been urged to complete online check-in where possible, select seats in advance, and confirm that all travel documents are valid.
Sharjah Airport issued similar advice, asking passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure during the New Year weekend. The airport also encouraged travelers flying with Air Arabia to make use of city check-in services to reduce congestion at the terminal.
To ease pressure at Dubai International Airport, Emirates has expanded remote and off-airport check-in options. Passengers can drop bags and collect boarding passes at the Emirates City Check-In and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, which operates from 8am to midnight until January 15. Customers using this facility can park for free and check in up to four hours before departure, with an incentive of 2,500 Emirates Skywards Miles offered for those completing the process there before January 15.
A second option is the 24-hour Emirates City Check-In in Ajman, located at the Ajman Central Bus Terminal, where travelers can complete check-in as early as 24 hours and as late as four hours before their flight.
Home check-in services are also available in Dubai and Sharjah, allowing Emirates agents to complete check-in at a passenger’s home, hotel, or office and transport checked luggage directly to the aircraft. The service must be booked at least a day in advance and is complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members.
For those navigating the city during peak traffic, the Dubai Metro has been highlighted as a reliable alternative, offering direct Red Line access to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport with frequent services throughout the day and late into the night.
Air Arabia passengers departing from Sharjah can also use multiple city check-in locations. Facilities are available at Matajer Al Mussala from 9am to 10pm, allowing baggage drop up to 48 hours before departure for a Dh20 handling fee. Additional counters operate daily at Al Barsha Mall from 10am to 10pm, Safeer Mall with extended hours including split Friday schedules, and the Morafiq city check-in in Al Ain from 10am to 10pm, where early check-in opens 24 hours before departure and fees apply based on passenger age.
