Dubai Airports has launched new measures to cut security screening time, while urging passengers to save time by packing smartly, as its terminals brace for the summer rush.
Lorne Riley, head of corporate communications, Dubai Airports, told XPRESS that over 100 automatic tray return machines have been installed at security check-in areas to cut transaction time by about 50 per cent.
But he reminded passengers: “Put anything metal — watch, jewellery, mobile phones, coins, belts — into your hand luggage well before you arrive at the X-ray machine. This will save time at security screening,” says a Gulf News report.
He said: “The number of recently introduced Smart eGates also facilitates a better flow of passengers through immigration. In addition to technological solutions, the airport has also boosted the number of trained customer service personnel deployed across the facility to assist passengers. Now, more than 1,000 MIHY (May I help you) staff assist customers across the three terminals of Dubai International.
With excess and inappropriate baggage causing avoidable delays at security check-ins, Riley said: “Check with your airline in advance for information on your baggage allowance. Irrespective of the allowance, a single unit of baggage weighing more than 32kg will not be accepted at check-in. You should expect to be charged for baggage in excess of the limit set by the airline. It is always simpler to pack liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in your check-in baggage. However, if you have to carry LAGs in your hand luggage, make sure they are in a clear re-sealable plastic bag. Each item should not be more than 100ml and the total content of all liquid items should not be more than one litre.”
The official said: “The key to successfully managing the high volumes of summer traffic is planning, although this year volumes until end of July are expected to be lower due to Ramadan and the runway refurbishment programme that runs until July 20.”
He said passengers can beat queues by checking in online (where possible) or using self-service check-in kiosks in the departure hall. Customers with baggage can make use of the quick-baggage drop counters, while those carrying only hand luggage can proceed directly to Immigration.
He said the eGate card, which helps reduce time at passport control, can be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs whose office/counters in the departure areas of all terminals at Dubai International are open 24/7.