Major UAE aviation hubs are implementing enhanced travel protocols to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic surrounding New Year 2026 celebrations. Dubai and Sharjah international airports have issued comprehensive advisories urging travelers to adjust their schedules and utilize alternative check-in options during this period of heightened activity.
With January 1 declared an official public holiday and many organizations permitting remote work on December 31, aviation authorities project significant congestion from December 31 through January 5. Emirates Airlines has formally recommended that all departing passengers arrive at Dubai International Airport a full four hours before their scheduled flights, accounting for anticipated road congestion and limited parking availability.
Sharjah Airport authorities have similarly advised travelers to arrive three hours before departure, while encouraging Air Arabia passengers to utilize urban check-in facilities. Both airports are promoting distributed check-in solutions to alleviate terminal congestion, including innovative city-center options.
Emirates offers multiple remote check-in alternatives: The DIFC City Check-In facility at ICD Brookfield Place provides complimentary parking and baggage handling up to four hours pre-flight, with bonus Skywards Miles incentives through January 15. Ajman Central Bus Terminal hosts a 24-hour check-in service, while premium customers in Dubai and Sharjah can access complimentary home check-in services with baggage collection.
Public transportation represents a key component of the congestion mitigation strategy. Dubai Metro’s Red Line provides direct Terminal 3 access with frequent service, offering reliable airport connectivity amid anticipated road traffic complications. Aviation officials emphasize that pre-selecting seats and verifying travel document validity remain crucial for efficient processing.
Sharjah’s Matajer Al Mussala facility enables baggage drop-off up to 48 hours before flight time for a nominal fee, with additional city check-in locations operating at Al Barsha Mall, Safeer Mall, and Al Ain’s Morafiq complex with tiered pricing structures.
The coordinated advisory reflects comprehensive planning by UAE aviation authorities to maintain operational efficiency during one of the region’s peak travel periods, balancing celebration-related congestion with maintaining the UAE’s reputation for aviation excellence.