Passengers arriving at or departing from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai may experience longer road journeys beginning Monday, October 26, 2026, as temporary traffic restrictions take effect near the airport. Travellers are being advised to plan their ground transportation carefully, particularly when travelling to catch scheduled flights or arranging onward journeys after arrival.

The advisory follows an announcement by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority concerning the temporary closure of three lanes on Emirates Road (E611), opposite Al Maktoum International Airport, together with the complete closure of the Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel in both directions. These measures may affect vehicles using the designated routes to access or leave the airport area.

According to the announced schedule, the restrictions will remain in place for six consecutive days, from Monday, October 26, through Saturday, October 31, 2026. The closures will operate daily between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, making journey planning particularly important for passengers travelling during those hours.

Departing passengers should consider allowing additional time for their journeys to the airport, especially when using taxis or private vehicles. Unexpected traffic delays could reduce the time available for airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security procedures. Travellers should continue to follow the arrival-time recommendations provided by their airlines.

Arriving passengers may also encounter longer ground transportation times if their onward journeys involve the affected sections of Emirates Road or the airport tunnel. Those arranging airport pickups, taxi transfers or private transportation should coordinate their plans in advance and check current road conditions before leaving the terminal.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority explained that the temporary closures are intended to facilitate highway testing by autonomous taxi companies. The authority has urged motorists to plan ahead and follow traffic direction signs to ensure safe and smooth journeys through the affected road network.

Importantly, the announcement concerns road access and does not indicate that Al Maktoum International Airport itself is closed, that flights have been suspended or that airline schedules have changed. The authority has not identified one universal alternative route for all airport passengers, so drivers should follow the traffic guidance applicable to their specific journeys.

Travellers are encouraged to verify their flight details directly with their airlines, monitor official traffic updates and allow an appropriate additional travel-time margin where necessary. The potential impact will depend on each passenger’s departure point, route and travel time, and not every airport journey will necessarily be affected.

Source: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority