
Emirates expects 300,000 travellers at Dubai Terminal 3 this Easter weekend
Emirates has issued an advisory for passengers travelling from Dubai's Terminal 3 between April 18-21, as more than 300,000 travellers are expected to begin their journeys during this period.
The airline has urged customers to arrive at the airport well in advance and ensure all travel documentation is prepared to avoid potential delays caused by anticipated congestion.
The airline has highlighted several check-in options available to passengers to streamline their airport experience.
Emirates warns of heavy Easter weekend traffic at Dubai Terminal 3
Travellers can complete online check-in through emirates.com or the Emirates App 48 hours before departure and receive a digital boarding pass.
For those preferring in-person check-in, Terminal 3 counters will open 24 hours prior to flight departure, with the exception of US-bound flights, which open 12 hours before departure.
Emirates recommends passengers drop bags the night before or check in earlier to proceed directly to Immigration or use the biometric gates.
Additional check-in locations include the City Check-In & Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, open from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure (excluding US-bound flights), and Ajman Central Bus Terminal, also available from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure.
The airline has emphasised strict adherence to security and boarding timelines. All passengers must clear passport control and security at least 90 minutes before departure.
Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers should arrive at boarding gates 60 minutes prior to departure, while First and Business Class passengers need to be at gates 45 minutes before departure.
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Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Iran-Israel war: UAE overflights stable, Saudi doubles after conflict
[Editor's Note: Follow our live blog for real-time updates on the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.] The UAE's air traffic has stayed normal since the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran on June 13, but Saudi air traffic has more than doubled. 'With the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace since June 13, flights that normally pass through either of those countries need new routes. As a consequence, overflights of Saudi Arabia have doubled over the past week while the number of flights over Afghanistan has increased by nearly 500 per cent. Overflights — aircraft not departing or landing in a given country — have risen above Saudi Arabia from an average of 700 flights per day in mid-May to 1,400 flights per day since the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace on 13 June,' according to Flightradar24. In a statement to Khaleej Times, the Sweden-based real-time aircraft flight-taking firm said it 'measured no appreciable difference in air traffic to, from, or through the UAE since most recent hostilities began last week". Many UAE and other Gulf carriers have also re-routed and cancelled their flights to different destinations due to the regional war. 'It should come as no surprise that the two airlines most affected by the closure of airspace in Iran and Iraq are the two largest airlines in the Middle East. A vast majority of Qatar's flights to Europe and North America usually pass over Iraq, while Emirates maintains a more equal distribution between Iraq and Iran. Flydubai's loss of access to Iranian airspace has increased flight times for the airline as it must now route further east through Pakistan and Afghanistan to reach destinations north of Dubai. For example, the airline's flights from Dubai to Moscow increased from about five hours to nearly seven,' said Flightradar24. It added that there have been changes to how aircraft enter the airspace — an increase in flights transiting via Saudi Arabia — but overall the number of flights has remained consistent. 'For comparison, the number of flights in UAE airspace averaged 2,838 per day, while this week the number is 2,725 flights per day.' Overflights of Afghanistan have risen from an average of 50 per day in May to 280 per day since June 13.' Even before the recent closure of Iran and Iraq air space, airlines have had limited options to fly between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 'The great circle route (or shortest path on the globe) between Europe and Asia generally routes through either Ukraine or Russia, airspace that is currently unavailable to all airlines. This has squeezed most traffic into limited space over the Black Sea to the north and through Saudia Arabia to the south. Should the conflict between Iran and Israel expand and additional air routes close, the effects on commercial aviation could be profound.' Rising cost for Gulf carriers According to Flightradar24, Emirates — the biggest international carrier — operated highest number of weekly flights during May 11-17 at 1,354, followed by Qatar Airways (1,225), flydubai (841), Turkish Airlines (584), Etihad Airways (542), Air Arabia (395), Air India (331), Singapore Airlines (255), British Airways (212), PIA (197), Kuwait Airways (191), Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (156), Lufthansa (145), Gulf Air (137) and Pegasus (105). Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research, at the moment, most European flights are transiting westwards through Saudi and Egyptian airspace rather than the more direct Iraq-Iran airspace, while US-bound flights are tracking more eastwards through Pakistan before heading towards the North Pole before reaching points like Seattle and Los Angeles. 'Flight times are slightly increased but this will depend on a multitude of factors including airplane type, weather, winds, payload, cargo and the number of passengers on board.' He added that the war could have resulted in higher fuel costs for the airlines as they take longer routes to their destinations amidst closed air space of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Israel. 'With oil prices rising too, it's not entirely out of the realm that fuel surcharges kick in and we see hike fares — and again, that has the propensity to hit demand,' he said. While oil prices have broadly stabilised in this first week of war, over the last month, it's already shot up from $60 a barrel to $74 a barrel. 'If the war drags on, it will then hit a $100 a barrel and will definitely hit airfares.'


The National
a day ago
- The National
The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok lives up to its luxury label, as one the city's newest high-end hotels
Bangkok 's once chaotic charm is being slowly reshaped by soaring towers and curated greenery, injecting the city with a sleek, revitalised energy. While the capital has long been a favourite among tourists, it has undergone some modern upgrades to keep pace with growing demand. Among the latest additions is the Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, set within One Bangkok, a mixed-use development of luxury hotels, upscale residences, office towers and high-end retail spaces. The Ritz-Carlton opened here last December with 206 rooms spread over 25 floors of a 50-storey building. It features an outdoor pool, a spa, a 24-hour gym, and a club lounge with stunning views of the surrounding modernised cityscape. The National checked in for a two-night stay to discover what one of the newest five-star properties in the Thai capital has to offer. The welcome A direct overnight flight from Dubai to Bangkok with Emirates has me landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport around noon. It takes 45 minutes with traffic to reach the soaring skyscraper that houses The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. As the car pulls up, staff in crisp uniforms greet me warmly. But the moment the doors open, I'm hit with a wave of heat and humidity that might even rival Abu Dhabi's sunniest days. Thankfully, I'm quickly ushered into a soaring, air-conditioned lobby, where polished black-and-white marble floors gleam beneath cascading chandeliers. At first glance, it feels like I've arrived at the hotel's main lobby – but it's actually the building's shared entrance, leading to a slightly confusing start. Soon enough, though, my group and I are guided to a set of lifts that whisk us up to the Ritz-Carlton's own reception area. The neighbourhood The property is located at One Bangkok, a modern, polished and still growing high-profile district. As part of an ambitious mixed-use development, it blends sleek office towers, luxury residences, upscale retail, and landscaped public spaces all within walking distance of Lumphini Park. The vibe is distinctly cosmopolitan, offering a balance between city energy and green escape. While parts of the project are already open, including some retail outlets and hotel components, other areas remain under construction, so it can feel quiet or unfinished in places. Thanks to its location near Lumphini MRT station and its walkable design, One Bangkok is well connected to nearby neighbourhoods such as Silom and Sathorn, where the city's dining and street culture come alive. The area is refined with a clean, upscale atmosphere that stands in contrast to the more chaotic charm of older districts. The room I'm checked into a 50-square-metre Deluxe King room on the 18th floor. The space exudes modern elegance, featuring warm wood, soft lighting, and a palette of creamy neutrals that come together to radiate a sense of calmness. What first catches my eye, though, is the view: floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Lumphini Park, its lush greenery offering a peaceful counterpoint to the city's dense sprawl – more reminiscent of New York City than Bangkok. One of the room's standout features is the semi-open layout: a sliding partition reveals the marble-clad bathroom, creating a seamless flow between the sleeping area and the bathing space. A touchscreen panel controls the lighting and other features. Amenities include a coffee and tea maker, minibar and complimentary bottled water. The bathroom is another highlight, complete with a separate bathtub and rain shower, double vanities, and a fully functional Japanese toilet. The final luxurious touch: a Dyson hair dryer. The service Thai hospitality is top-notch. The staff are knowledgeable about things to do and see around the hotel. They're keen to offer tips to help guests experience the best of Bangkok. One especially kind gesture came just before my spa appointment. After a runny nose during the flight, I was still feeling congested, and a spa hostess noticed. Without hesitation, she brought over a small inhaler tube and insisted I keep it. It was a small act, but one that captured the care and attentiveness that the hotel staff provided throughout my stay. The scene Whether looking for a refined tasting menu or something more casual, there are a few options on-site. Duet by David Toutain blends French techniques with natural ingredients. Lily's offers reimagined classics from open kitchens in a cosy, Thai-inspired setting. For something more relaxed, there's Caleo for drinks and afternoon tea with city views, and the Pool Bar for light bites. There are two outdoor swimming areas: a main infinity pool and a smaller one for children, both set on an open-air terrace overlooking the city and Lumphini Park. The gym is open 24 hours and is fitted with Technogym equipment, along with steam and sauna rooms. For those who want to relax and feel rejuvenated, there's the Ritz-Carlton Spa, where I get an enjoyable 60-minute massage that helps me unwind. It should be noted that appointments are required. The food Breakfast is at Lily's, the all-day restaurant on level seven. It is a semi-buffet set-up with a mix of cereals, fruits and cold cuts alongside Thai-influenced pastries such as a Thai tea lunar croissant and Chanthaburi chocolate pain suisse. There's also a congee and tom yum noodle station, plus an a la carte menu with standouts such as river prawn pad Thai, a fluffy golden crisp bean curd and Thai tea waffles. An impressive wall of fresh, cold-pressed juices is also on offer. Meanwhile, dinner is an eight-course menu (Dh326 per person) at Duet by David Toutain, which serves modern French cuisine in an elegant glasshouse setting also on level seven, styled in calming sage tones and botanical prints. The restaurant is led by Michelin-lauded chef David Toutain and Valentin Fouache, who bring experience from top kitchens in France and Thailand. The menu draws on Toutain's Normandy roots, which include experimenting with fresh ingredients. Before each course, I was handed a storytelling card that breaks down the star ingredient, such as the protein stats for miso or a reminder that black mole is dubbed the 'king of sauces' in Oaxacan cuisine. Highs and lows The hotel feels every bit as spectacular as you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton property. From fully operational Kohler Japanese-style toilets to the Dyson hair dryer, excellent restaurant options and a decadent spa, no detail of luxury seems overlooked. That said, as the property is relatively new, a few teething issues remain. The most noticeable for me were the lifts. Guests need to tap their key cards before selecting a floor, but the system was inconsistent – sometimes the card wouldn't register, and other times it would automatically select a floor before I had a chance to do anything. Insider tip Be sure to visit the lobby during sunset for a marvellous photo opportunity, especially against one of the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the park. The bottom line Pricing is dependent on the season and days of the week, with deluxe rooms starting at about $450 (Dh1,650) per night. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is at noon.


Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
GCC visitors spending in 2034 expected to reach $223.7 billion: GCC-Stat
The latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) revealed that the expected spending by visitors to GCC countries is projected to reach US$223.7 billion in 2034, while the expected contribution of incoming visitor spending to total exports will reach 13.4 per cent. The Centre also indicated that GCC countries are achieving steady progress in many tourism-related indicators. The data demonstrate that total international visitor spending in GCC countries amounted to US$135.5 billion in 2023, with a 28.9 percent increase compared to the figures recorded in 2019. The GCC countries ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region's 2024 Safety and Security Index. All GCC countries scored above the regional average of 5.86 points, taking into consideration that the index ranges from 1 to 7 points. They also ranked among the top 6 countries in terms of passport power in the Arab region. WAM