Volunteers speed travellers through Dubai International

During June, July and August, the airport will experience its busiest period since the opening of Sheikh Rashid Terminal in 2000, with 20 per cent more passengers than last summer, more than 11 million people. In 2007, the airport handled more than nine million people in the same period.

The volunteer programme, which includes Dubai Duty Free staff, is part of initiatives launched by Dubai Airports recently to manage the smooth operation of the terminal during the annual peak season from June to August.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said:

"Our employees understand the challenges we face during the peak season and are going the extra mile by volunteering to improve the travellers' experience. They are available at every step in the terminal journey, helping and assisting customers with their requirements."

Mr Griffiths and his management team are among the volunteers and are rostered on the peak hours.

The volunteers took a four-day workshop conducted by the terminal management staff where they learned more about airport operations, different airlines and the principles of excellent quality customer services.

Covering 35 different locations throughout the airport, from the kerb at departures, through check-in and Immigration, to the gates, the volunteers are working over three shifts and led by a member of the terminal management staff.

"We are all committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers and this is why the management team are on the ground, leading by example," added Mr Griffiths. "Our customers are important to us and we plan to make them feel welcome and appreciated each step of the way."

The red-shirted volunteers carried out a trial-run last week, helping travellers move more quickly through queues by distributing clear re-sealable plastic bags for their liquids and gels, directing them to the different check-in kiosks and advising them at central screening machines to remove any metals on them, take laptops out of cases, etc.

Majed Al Joker, Head of Operations at Dubai International, said: "Our customers are able to undergo the security check in a much shorter time without any compromise to the security process."

Other measures are also being introduced at the airport to manage the increased influx of travellers, including more detailed signage, instruction videos, better screening machines, more check-in counters (including self and mobile check-in counters), more immigration counters, and e-gate registration facilities in both arrivals and departures.

Dubai Airports' initiative complements the "Travel Tips for Smart Travellers" that were introduced at the beginning of June. These tips aim to help customers help themselves and their fellow travellers to proceed speedily through the airport.

Smart Tips for Smart Travellers

• Say goodbye to loved ones at home to save time and avoid congestion at the airport.
• Use online check-in facilities or the self-service check-in kiosks in the departures hall to avoid queuing. Customers carrying only hand luggage can then proceed directly to Immigration. Customers with baggage to be checked in can make use of the quick-baggage drop counters.
• Buy an e-Gate card and avoid queuing at passport control both while arriving and on departure.
• Ensure that each piece of baggage is within the 32kgs allowance to avoid delays. You should expect to be charged for baggage in excess of the regulatory limit.
• Make sure you are carrying any liquids, aerosols and gels in a clear re-sealable plastic bag. Each item should not be more than 100ml and the total content of all items should not be more than one litre. Unless absolutely necessary during the journey, it is simpler to pack them in your checked-in baggage.
• Remember to put anything metal - watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins - into your hand luggage well before you arrive at the X-ray machines, and save time at Security Screening.
• Don't forget to leave a minimum of three hours for check-in and passport control.