Middle Eastern carriers like Etihad and Emirates are expecting huge passenger traffic for Eid -UL-Adha this year. Every year, Etihad airlines carry around 1.9-2.0 million passengers during the Hajj and Eid-UL-Adha. This year, the total amount of guests has been increased up to 2.3 million, which is roughly 20% more than the usual amount.

Although around 40-50k people travel each day during the Eid season, the biggest rush would be on September 26th. Most of the passengers are people who are returning home to join the festivities of Eid and praying for absolution from Allah for their family during the Hajj. But there is also a group of people who are heading abroad to enjoy a quiet and scenic vacation. The most preferred destinations during Eid time are Sydney, Bangkok, Delhi, and Paris. Munich, Melbourne, and New York are also on the list of the Middle Eastern travelers.

According to an official statement, Etihad Airways has happily stated that they have added five brand new air-routes for the travelers. Among those new routes are Kolkata, Edinburgh, and Hong Kong. This has enabled the travelers to choose from more options for their desired flight.

The Emirates, one of the biggest contenders of Etihad is supposed to carry around 3 million guests for Eid-UL-Adha, which is 65% more than last year’s total amount. This airline is expecting a high traffic from 16-28 September. The preferred destinations for the passengers of Emirates are Cairo, Dhaka, London, and Mumbai. Emirates will also serve two million pilgrims to take them home after completing their Hajj. To help the travelers, they have also arranged several economy counters in Terminal 3, which also houses designated family areas.

If you are travelling with Emirates or Etihad, you can actually check-in via the internet a day before your designated flight to avoid missing the flight. Emirates has urged their guests to check in 1.5 hours before their flight, which is also applicable for passengers who have already checked in online. A security check will also be required an hour before the departure and the passenger has to board the plane at least 45 minutes prior to take off.