Security Wait Time
10-15 mins
current wait time
- Data
Qsensor makes use of data from Dubai International Airport.
- Disclaimer
Waiting times may not accurately reflect your experience. It is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance and follow the recommendations of the airlines and airports.
- Airport Last Updated
- 10-15 mins wait time
Wait Times by Day of Week
Average wait times based on the last 3 weeks of data.
The average wait time at 5 am at this airport is 13 minutes
Based on data from the past 3 weeks.Latest Airport Arrival Time
Bag drop closes 45-60 min before departure. With an estimated 25 min bag drop queue, you need to arrive at the desk 70-85 min early. After that, allow 13 min for security (avg on Thursdays) and 12 min to walk to your gate, which closes 15-20 min before departure.
Guide to Airport Security and Travel Tips for Dubai International Airport
Security Guide
This guide provides essential tips to ensure a smooth and efficient security experience while optimising your travel time.
Before you even arrive at the airport, ensure you understand the security procedures. These measures are crucial for the safety of all passengers. Minimise wearing metal objects. If you do wear them, remove them before passing through security and place them in the designated box. For footwear, remove belts with metal buckles, boots, or shoes with heels and place them in a security tray.
You can carry up to 15 mobile phones in your luggage, provided they are in the manufacturer’s packaging. Personal devices are excluded from this count. Place laptops and tablets in a separate security tray for inspection. Only carry necessary liquids in hand luggage. Each container should not exceed 100 ml, and you can carry up to 10 containers. Avoid packing lighters, flammable containers, and toy weapons in your hand luggage. Carry a prescription for any medications. If you have a metal medical device, have a doctor’s certificate ready. Place loose items like mobile phones, wallets, watches, and keys in a security tray. Place your hand luggage onto the conveyor belt and proceed through the metal detectors or body scanners.
To avoid missing your flight, adhere to these time guidelines. Arrive at passport control and security 90 minutes before your flight if you need to collect and recheck your bags. Reach your gate no later than 60 minutes before departure for Premium Economy or Economy Class, and 45 minutes for First or Business Class.
Security wait times for Dubai International Airport are based on historical averages, where for 99% of passengers wait times are 15 minutes or less.
Transfer Guide
Upon arrival, head to the dedicated transfer desks to receive your boarding pass for the onward flight. You can easily find these desks by following the signs, using interactive maps, or asking Guest Experience Ambassadors for assistance.
If you are transiting through DXB on separate tickets and do not require a Dubai visa, or if you hold a Dubai visa, you will need to clear immigration, retrieve your baggage, and check in for your connecting flight. For those without a Dubai visa who need assistance with baggage transfer, Marhaba Services at the transfer desk can help. Please note that fees apply for this service.
Accessing Terminal 1’s D Gates is simple with a short trip on an airport train. In Terminal 3, you can walk between B Gates and C Gates, and take a short ride on the airport train to reach A Gates. For transfers between concourses and terminals, consult with your airline or Guest Experience Ambassadors upon arrival for guidance.
DXB consists of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 includes three concourses: A Gates, B Gates, and C Gates, primarily used by Emirates, flydubai, United, and Air Canada. D Gates at Terminal 1 serve numerous international carriers, while Terminal 2 (F Gates) offers access to regional and international flights.
