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News flash

Last updated: 8 December 2018, 16:30 Dubai (GMT+4)

Peak holiday travel traffic advisory, plan ample time for journeys

Emirates expects a high number of passenger departures from all airports over the holiday travel period. Passengers travelling from 16 December to 12 January are advised to build in extra time to get to the airport, and to complete airport formalities, including security checks.

Customers are reminded to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight departures, and check in no later than 2 hours prior to departure regardless of class of travel. 

Boarding gates open 90 minutes before departure, and boarding starts 45 minutes before each flight. Gates close 20 minutes before departure. If passengers report late, Emirates will not be able to accept them for travel. 

Check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule.

Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive update notifications.

Customers can also check the status of their flights on emirates.com for latest updates on departure and arrival times of their flights.

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Flight suspension

Last updated: 16 August 2018, 11:00 Dubai (GMT+4)

Entry guidelines to the UAE for Qatari Nationals and Foreign Expatriates residing in Qatar

As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates has suspended its flights to and from Doha until further notice.

Qatari nationals will be granted entry into the UAE on providing proof of first degree relatives (father, mother, husband, wife and children), who hold valid UAE citizenship. In addition, Qatari students enrolled in the UAE as well as persons in emergency or humanitarian situations will be granted entry provided they submit a request to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship through the following link:

https://beta.echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard

For more information on Qatari nationals traveling to the UAE, please call the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s toll free number 8002626 or +971-8002626.

Expatriates holding valid Qatari residency, transiting or requiring entry into the UAE, will be processed in accordance with the normal entry formalities as per their national passport.

Suspension of flights between Dubai and Doha with effect from 6 June 2017

As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates has suspend its flights to and from Doha, with effect from 6 June 2017, until further notice.

All customers booked on Emirates’ flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and rebooking to alternate Emirates destinations.

Customers who booked through a travel agency should contact their travel agents.

Customers who booked with Emirates can process refunds for their tickets at www.emirates.com/refund or contact their local Emirates office. 

Frequently asked questions about flight refunds and rebooking can be viewed here.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers.

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Security alert

Last updated: 28 June 2018, 17:12 Dubai (GMT+4)

Advisory on powdered goods in carry-on bags for US, Australia and New Zealand flights

All flights to, through or from the USA, as well as from or through Australia and New Zealand, will be subject to further enhanced security screening measures starting 30 June 2018. This is in accordance with new security guidelines from the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

Under the new directive for flights to US destinations, powder-like substances in containers equal to or over 350 ml/grams have to be checked-in, and will not be allowed in carry-on belongings or cabin baggage. These items will be confiscated at Dubai (DXB) as well as Milan (MXP) and Athens (ATH), depending on the last point of departure. Powders under 350 ml/grams may be subject to additional screening.

Security measures will also be implemented restricting powder-like substances in the carry-on belongings or cabin baggage of all international customers departing and transiting Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The decision to confiscate or permit the powder-like substances in the cabin of the aircraft will be made by the respective security enforcement agencies.

In New Zealand, this restriction will commence at Auckland Airport on 30 June 2018; and will be introduced on all international flights departing Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports from 31 July 2018.

Customers are advised to place the powder-like substances in their checked bags.

Baby formula, prescription medicines and human remains are exempt. Powder-like substances purchased in airport duty free shops must be placed in Sealed Tamper Evident Bags along with proof of purchase.

Last updated: 23 January 2018, 10:14 Dubai (GMT+4)

New baggage rules – baggage screening and smart bags

Updates to checked baggage screening

For your safety, the General Department of Airport Security is required to inspect all checked baggage. Therefore, during the screening process some bags may be opened for further inspection. 

To avoid missing your flight and baggage delays, Dubai International airport, the Dubai Airport Police and Emirates have agreed to a new bag check process in which customers no longer need to be present for the open-bag inspection. Instead, the Dubai Airport Police in the presence of an Emirates representative will open and inspect the bags.

In the case where these inspections are required, your bag(s) will be opened and the contents searched for prohibited items only. Any items found that are prohibited in checked baggage due to safety and security concerns will be confiscated. Please visit our Dangerous Goods page for a full list of prohibited items. 

Upon completion of the inspection process, the contents will be returned to your bag and you will receive a letter from Dubai International airport explaining the reason the bag was opened. In some situations, customers may be requested in person for the bag inspection. For more information, please visit the Dubai International airport website. 

Smart baggage restrictions

In line with IATA regulations, there will be restrictions on smart bags as checked-in or carry-on baggage on all Emirates flights as follows:

For cabin baggage:

  • Smart bags are allowed in the cabin if the battery is removable and within the cabin baggage size and weight limits.
  • The battery can remain installed as long as the smart bag is completely powered off.
  • If the battery is not removable, the smart bag can’t be carried on an Emirates flight.

For checked baggage:

  • Smart bags are allowed in checked baggage if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin.
  • If the smart bag exceeds the cabin baggage size/weight limitations for the route, or the battery is not removable, then the smart bag can’t be carried on an Emirates flight.
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Operational changes

Last updated: 25 October 2017, 13:36 Dubai (GMT+4)

Extra security checks for US-bound travellers from 26 October 2017

In line with TSA regulations, there will be extra security checks conducted at check-in and at the boarding gates for passengers travelling to the United States.

Passengers travelling to the US should ensure that:

  • their electronic devices have sufficient charge to switch on
  • they appear in person at check-in with all their baggage and documents

Find out more

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