Emirates expects more than 3,500 children to travel alone on its Unaccompanied Minors Service over the next two weeks as the summer holiday travel season begins before Dubai schools reopen.
The airline said demand for the service rises during the summer as families travel, with children flying independently on routes linking Dubai with the UK, Russia, Kenya, France, India and Egypt.
Summer travel
Emirates said more than 250,000 children have used its Unaccompanied Minors and Young Passenger services over the past five years. Most travellers are aged 11 years and under.
Children aged five to 12 travelling alone are required to use the Unaccompanied Minors Service. Passengers aged 12 to 15 can travel independently or use the optional Young Passenger Service for a fee.
Airport support
At Dubai International Airport, children using the service are checked in through a dedicated lounge before being escorted through security, immigration and boarding by Emirates staff.
The airline said cabin crew supervise young travellers during the flight, while staff also assist children on arrival until they are handed over to their parent or guardian after identity checks.
Transit rules
For connecting flights through Dubai, Emirates allows a maximum transit time of eight hours for unaccompanied children. Longer connections require airline approval, while overnight transits are only permitted if an approved adult guardian is available at the transit point.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
