Designed with the capability to handle 43 million passengers a year when fully operational, Emirates Terminal 3, scheduled to open on 14th October 2008, promises travellers the perfect start to an amazing journey from this avant-garde airport.
The terminal is being opened in phases and the first phase commencing 14th October will see flights arriving and departing to destinations in the GCC namely Doha, Muscat, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jeddah, Damman and Riyadh and in the Americas namely New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and Toronto. The second phase will open flights to the Middle East and Africa. Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Australia will be serviced in later phases.
Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: 'Emirates has always been at the cutting-edge end of the industry - whether it is the aircraft that carry our passengers, the technology that powers our operations or the facilities that house them. The new Emirates Terminal 3 is a testament to our corporate values that will see our passengers enjoy ease of travel, home comforts and refined luxuries both in the air and on the ground - helping us to deliver on our promise and fulfil customer expectations from the Emirates brand. Emirates Terminal 3 is geared for the phenomenal growth we have charted for the airline and provides us with a solid home-base from where we can soar higher than before.'
Emirates offers a large buffet of choices when it comes to checking-in for the flight. The car park greets travellers with 1,870 slots and a full 4500 m2 check-in hall with 18 counters that cater for both standard and oversized baggage. Passengers can check-in their luggage at the car park well in advance of the flight and go back home, only to arrive back in time for the flight.
Alternatively, passengers can access the On Line Check-In option at www.emirates.com from their homes or offices, and when they arrive at the terminal for the flight, simply drop off their bags at one of the Self Service Kiosks and collect their boarding passes. Or, travellers could choose to directly check in, with or without baggage, at one of the 60 Self Service Kiosks dotting the terminal.
Passengers can also check-in the traditional way - by arriving at Emirates Terminal 3 three hours in advance of the flight for Economy Class travel and two hours for First and Business Class -through 126 manned counters at Economy; 32 at First and Business; and 10 for Skywards premium members.
A new porter service, with minimal charges, has been introduced to save passengers the trouble of carting their own luggage.
Children travelling alone have access to dedicated lounges at the check-in, departures and arrivals levels. These lounges have experienced staff and are replete with reading and drawing materials, TV, video games and light refreshments to keep the little ones enjoyably engaged throughout their journey.
Two Special Needs Lounges in the terminal have been designed to accommodate wheelchairs and travellers with physical challenges. Baby strollers are available at both check-in lounges while information desks and helpful Emirates Airport Services staff will be on hand to answer all passenger queries.
Passengers can grab a bite or chill out with friends at the ten food outlets in the terminal, ranging from popular brands of coffee shops and fast foods to international cuisine. And if you have time before the immigration process, why not begin the hunt for that perfect gift in the 4800 m2 expanse of retail space that includes three Duty Free shops?
There are 50 immigration counters - 38 traditional and 12 e-gates - after Economy check-in and 14 - 10 traditional and four e-gates - after First and Business. Passengers are swiftly through to the concourse, even during peak times, and ready to indulge in the splendours offered at Emirates Terminal 3.
Concourse 2, with 670,000 m2 of space, equivalent to 120 football fields, ushers travellers to a whole new world of luxury with premium lounges, retail and spa therapy, 14 restaurants, and two hotels. From here, passengers conveniently board an Emirates aircraft through the 26 gates, including five A380 gates, and fly away to their destinations.
Road signage clearly marks the entrance to Emirates Terminal 3. Access for Economy Class passengers is from the main kerbside. First and Business Class passengers have a dedicated kerbside entrance at the First and Business Class check-in area.
Editor's note: The Emirates Terminal 3 complex includes the car park, Terminal 3, where passengers check-in for their flights and Concourse 2, which houses the premium lounges, retail and shopping areas and the gates from where passengers board their flights. Emirates Terminal 3 also includes Concourse 3, which is currently under construction.
