Eid 2025 travel alert: RTA, Emirates issue fresh advisory ahead of holidays
DXB expects the busiest travel period till April 7

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Emirates have issued an essential travel advisory ahead of the Eid Al Fitr 2025 holidays, warning passengers of an anticipated surge in travel through Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The airport is expected to see over 3.6 million travellers passing through its terminals between March 26 and April 7, with peak congestion forecast for Saturday, April 5, when approximately 309,000 passengers are expected in a single day.
To accommodate the heavy traffic, authorities have urged travellers to plan ahead and arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled departure.
To all passengers travelling via Dubai International Airport, plan your journey in advance and head to the airport at least four hours before your flight to avoid potential delays on roads surrounding the airport. Have a safe flight!#RTA #EidAlFitr2025
— RTA (@rta_dubai) March 28, 2025
What drivers need to know
To ease congestion around DXB, the RTA has encouraged travellers to use the Dubai Metro for airport transfers. Public transport schedules will be adjusted from Saturday, March 29, to Tuesday, April 2, with operations resuming as usual on Wednesday, April 3. The RTA has also confirmed changes in parking regulations and public transport timings to accommodate increased demand during the festive period.
Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle testing centres will be closed for the holidays, except for Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, and RTA Headquarters, which will operate 24/7.
What passengers should do
Emirates has advised passengers to check in early to avoid delays and ensure a seamless travel experience. Travellers can check in via the Emirates app or the airline’s website, where a digital boarding pass will be provided. Additionally, check-in counters at DXB will be operational 24 hours before departure, allowing passengers to drop off their luggage in advance. Those flying to the United States can check in 12 hours before their flight.
Passengers can also take advantage of Emirates’ City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where they can check in and drop off luggage from 24 to 4 hours before departure. An alternative check-in service is available at Ajman Central Bus Terminal, where northern Emirates travellers can check in between 24 and 4 hours before their flights.