DUBAI: Dubai International is set to welcome nearly two million passengers over the weekends of June 30 and July 7, operator Dubai Airports said on Wednesday.
Dubai Airports, in a statement, is asking travellers scheduled to fly out over those weekends to arrive at Dubai International early. Peak travel is expected to coincide with the summer break in the United Arab Emirates and Eid Al Fitr, which is likely to see longer queues at check-in and immigration counters. Schools are closing for summer break this weekend and a large number of expatriates are expected to travel home.
Dubai Airports said it would be rostering on additional employees during the peak travel periods between June 30 and July 3 and between July 7 and July 10. It will also once again run its Hangout@DXB campaign for the second year in a row in a bid to encourage passengers to allow extra time to pass through the airport. The airport will offer promotions and be handing out prizes as part of the campaign. “DXB” is the airport’s code.
“Nearly a quarter of a million passengers will be passing through our facility every day during the two weekends,” said Dubai Airports senior vice-president of communications and reputation Anita Mehra. “While we are very happy with the ongoing growth in traffic, we want to make sure that our customers can make the most of the wide range of food, spa and relaxation, shopping choices available at DXB, and have a comfortable and memorable start to their vacation.”
Dubai International, the world’s biggest airport for international passengers and home to world’s largest international airline Emirates, handled 27.9 million passengers in the first four months to April 30.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said on June 13 he expects a “record number” of passengers passing through the airport this summer. In August 2015, it handled a monthly record of 7.2 million passengers.
