Emirates, Etihad anticipate heavy passenger traffic during Eid

Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways anticipate heavy passenger traffic during the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays.

Etihad announced on Tuesday that it expects to carry over 230,000 guests during the Eid period, an increase of almost 20 per cent over the same period last year.

Between 45,000 and 50,000 guests are anticipated to travel each day, with Saturday, September 26 expected to be the busiest day, a statement said.

Top destinations for travel over the period are London, Bangkok, Manila, Sydney, New Delhi, Paris, New York, Melbourne and Munich.

Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said: “This year we have already introduced five new routes, with the addition of Kolkata, Madrid, Entebbe, Edinburgh and Hong Kong to our network, providing our guests more travel options.”

Meanwhile Dubai-based Emirates said it expects over 300,000 passengers to travel out of the United Arab Emirates in September. The figures represent an increase of almost 65 per cent over last year.

The highest passenger traffic is expected between September 17-28, with top destinations including Dhaka, Mumbai, London, Karachi and Cairo.

Emirates will also be accommodating for over 20,000 haj travellers during the pilgrimage period.

To avoid airport delays, the airline has designated special areas for families, consisting of 10 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3, Area 2.

Both Etihad and Emirates have advised guests to check-in online 24 hours before the flight departs and also arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.

Emirates also disclosed key time checks for passengers:

• Check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel

• Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure

• Customers are advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before flight departure

• Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure