With Emirates now having resumed regular service to nine destinations including London, Paris, Chicago and Sydney, Dubai International airport has reopened its Terminal 3 to operate the flights.
The airport has published a series of guidelines for passengers using the terminal, including reminding customers to bring gloves and a face mask with them – failure to do so will result in travellers not being admitted into the terminal building.
Passengers are also requested to arrive at the airport four hours before their flight, but note that you will not be allowed to access the terminal more than four hours before departure (so expect queues at entry with travellers all arriving at the same time). Only those holding tickets for travel will be allowed entry.
The airport says that immigration and security smart gates are currently not in use, and travellers should expect plexiglass screens and social distancing at immigration counters, and thermal screening / temperature checks at gates.
Selected retail and F&B outlets are open, but no lounges are currently in operation, and again social distancing restrictions will apply throughout the terminal concourse.
The guidelines follow the implementation of a series of measures by Emirates as the carrier begins to resume regular flights, including the handing out of free hygiene kits at check-in, staggered boarding, and a streamlined onboard service.
Note also that all Emirates chauffeur-drive services have been suspended worldwide.
Last week Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths warned that bilateral agreements between “trusted countries” will be needed to enable a resumption of services until a vaccine or treatment is developed for Covid-19
