Emirates Airline is now ensuring on-time
departures from Dubai International Airport by closing the gate fifteen
minutes before departure. From 1st June, passengers who arrive later will not be able to board the
aircraft, ensuring that passengers already seated will not be inconvenienced
by delays and possible missed connections.Mohammed H Mattar, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Airport Services (Dubai),
said: “Emirates is implementing the fifteen-minute gate closure in
consideration of our customers who arrive on time for their flights.

“It takes about fifteen minutes to locate and off-load the baggage of
missing or late passengers, so the new rule will give us the necessary
minutes to ensure the aircraft takes off as scheduled.”

 

Emirates’ customers are requested to check in three hours before departure
when travelling in Economy Class; one hour beforehand when travelling in
First and Business Class. All passengers are expected to be at the boarding gate 35 minutes before
departure. Transit passengers from flights arriving late into Dubai will be escorted by
airport staff through formalities to ensure they make their onward
connections.

 

Passengers will be given verbal reminders about the new fifteen-minute gate
closure policy when they check in.  Written reminders have also been placed
on boarding cards, quick transfer wallets and onboard airshow slides. Announcements over the airport PA system will remind passengers periodically
about the new fifteen minute rule.

 

“We are sympathetic about passengers who may fall asleep in the airport
while waiting for their connections, or who miscalculate the time they can
allow themselves at the Dubai Duty Free or in one of the outlets,” said Mr
Mattar.

 

“However, by implementing the fifteen minute gate closure policy, we are
giving a wake-up call to late-comers, and repaying the courtesy shown by our
punctual customers,” he added.
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