Dubai-based Emirates Airline issued a travel advisory on 10 November 2025 urging passengers departing from any of its 12 U.S. gateways to reach the airport at least four hours before take-off, citing extended security-screening times triggered by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
The carrier said customers should monitor flight status online and update their contact details in the Manage Your Booking portal. Chauffeur-drive pick-up times will be adjusted automatically. Emirates operates 138 weekly flights to the United States and is a preferred option for Gulf-based executives connecting onward to Latin America.
![Emirates tells US-bound passengers to arrive four hours early as American airport delays mount]()
While the advisory applies to outbound U.S. flights, knock-on effects may include late inbound aircraft returning to Dubai, potentially compressing crew rest windows and leading to minor schedule reshuffles later in the week. Travel managers handling tight project timelines should consider alternative routings via Europe or consider Etihad’s Abu Dhabi services, which are currently unaffected.
The situation highlights how disruptions far from the Gulf can ripple back to UAE-centred operations. Firms with U.S. market exposure are advised to re-check visa interview slots for employees, as many U.S. consular posts are also operating with reduced staff during the shutdown.
The carrier said customers should monitor flight status online and update their contact details in the Manage Your Booking portal. Chauffeur-drive pick-up times will be adjusted automatically. Emirates operates 138 weekly flights to the United States and is a preferred option for Gulf-based executives connecting onward to Latin America.
While the advisory applies to outbound U.S. flights, knock-on effects may include late inbound aircraft returning to Dubai, potentially compressing crew rest windows and leading to minor schedule reshuffles later in the week. Travel managers handling tight project timelines should consider alternative routings via Europe or consider Etihad’s Abu Dhabi services, which are currently unaffected.
The situation highlights how disruptions far from the Gulf can ripple back to UAE-centred operations. Firms with U.S. market exposure are advised to re-check visa interview slots for employees, as many U.S. consular posts are also operating with reduced staff during the shutdown.
