Dubai Launches Citywide Airport Check-In to Cut Congestion and Speed Up Travel
Dubai is transforming air travel with a new citywide check-in system. The government approved the City Terminal project under the Dubai 10X Initiative last week.
The project will allow travellers to complete check-in procedures across multiple locations in Dubai. Secure transport will then transfer passengers directly to airport departure areas.
Officials aim to reduce congestion at airport terminals and streamline passenger flows.
City Check-In Centres Roll Out Across Dubai in 2026
Dubai will launch a network of city check-in centres in 2026. Passengers will drop luggage and collect boarding passes hours or days before departure.
Travellers will complete documentation checks at these locations. They will then proceed directly to security at Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact city check-in locations. The initiative will significantly reduce time spent inside airport terminals during peak hours.
Home Check-In and Contactless Travel Expand
Several airlines already offer home and hotel baggage collection services in Dubai. Agents collect luggage, issue boarding passes, and manage documentation checks.
Passengers travelling with hand luggage only can skip traditional check-in counters. Smart systems will enable a faster, contactless airport journey.
Dubai continues integrating biometric technology across its airports. Authorities now use facial recognition at 122 smart gates to speed up immigration clearance. Officials plan to make traditional airport check-in counters largely unnecessary in the future.
$35 Billion Expansion Supports Seamless Airport Transfers
The City Terminal project aligns with Dubai’s $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. The development aims to transform the airport into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
Planners target a 40 percent reduction in airport transit times. Secure vehicle transfers from city check-in points will further improve efficiency. Dubai’s leadership wants to position the emirate as the world’s most advanced travel hub.
The Dubai 10X Initiative drives this transformation. The programme focuses on implementing future-ready solutions ahead of global competitors.
With citywide check-in, biometric screening, and off-airport baggage services, Dubai is redefining the airport experience. Travellers can expect shorter queues, reduced congestion, and a smoother journey from city to gate.