Emirates waves goodbye to delays

From 22nd June, the airline's customers will no longer be inconvenienced by delays and possible missed connections as late-comers to the boarding gate will be left behind.

Mohammed H Mattar, Emirates' Senior Vice President Airport Services (Dubai), said:

"Emirates is implementing the 15-minute before departure gate closure in consideration of our customers who arrive on time for their flights. The new policy will allow aircraft to take off as scheduled as it takes about 15 minutes to locate and off-load the baggage of missing or late customers."

Over the summer peak travel period, some 11 million travellers are expected to pass through Dubai Airport, and new policy will help Emirates and the airport to facilitate smooth passenger flow, and increase on-time performance.

Emirates' customers are requested to check in two hours before departure and to arrive at the boarding gate 35 minutes before their flight departs.

Transit passengers from flights arriving late into Dubai will be escorted by airport staff through formalities to ensure they make their onward connections.

At the airport, customers will be given reminders about the new 15-minute gate closure policy when they check in. Written reminders have also been placed on e-tickets, tent cards in lounges, restaurants and smoking areas, as well as on information screens throughout the airport.

Announcements over the airport PA system will remind passengers periodically about the new 15-minute rule.