What is 'Airport Theory'? Why are Dubai travellers ditching the 3-hour rule before flights?
A growing number of travellers in Dubai are embracing a viral social media trend known as 'airport theory,' which challenges the long-held belief that passengers should arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
With thousands of videos circulating online, the theory claims that one can get from airport entrance to boarding gate in just 15 minutes, provided certain conditions are met.
Now, some UAE-based globetrotters are testing this theory in real life, cutting it closer than ever to their boarding time.
The Frequent Flyer Who Swears by It
Dubai resident Mansoor Ali, 50, is no stranger to airport halls. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, he expressed his dislike for the traditional practice of arriving hours before take-off.
'I have had security officers jog with me to the door of the plane so that I could catch my flight,' said Mansoor.
He claims to have been one of the early adopters of the viral trend. 'I just think it is unnecessary to arrive hours early to the airport. I usually check in online and carry only my hand luggage,' he explained. Whether travelling solo or with his wife and three children, his approach has remained consistent.
Despite cutting it close, he's only missed two flights in the past decade.
'Nowadays, I arrive a little early just so that I can enjoy some time in the lounge. Otherwise, I still believe you need minimal time to get through the airport. However, it also depends upon how much rush there is in the airport, especially in holiday season,' he added.
Airports and Airlines Weigh In
As the trend picked up steam globally, it caught the attention of local airports and airlines.
On Tuesday, Dubai International Airport (DXB) posted a cheeky video referencing the trend, asking: 'Why risk a missed flight when you can enjoy a matcha at the gate instead?'
Meanwhile, Emirates Airlines issued a more serious advisory last week, urging passengers to arrive three hours early during peak travel periods.
The airline cited heavy traffic and large crowds, common during holidays, as reasons for adhering to the traditional timeline.
Over the last few weeks, the region has also experienced multiple flight delays and cancellations due to various reasons. Travel agents have cautioned flyers to check flight statuses in advance and plan for extra time at the airport to avoid surprises.
Not Everyone's On Board
While some frequent flyers are intrigued by the minimalist approach, many younger travellers are staying cautious or even outright rejecting the theory.
Emirati Hind Hassan, 22, told KT she always arrives early, sometimes as much as four hours ahead of her flight. 'I have always arrived at the airport extra early in case of unforeseen incidents that may cause delays,' she said.
'Arriving early calms me down and I love sitting in the airport waiting lounge, watching people pass by and airplanes take off and land. Why would anyone want to arrive 20 minutes before boarding just to rush and stress for no reason?'
Hind was firmly against the trend, calling it 'a risky practice.'
She added: 'It encourages people to arrive a mere few minutes before boarding. No one can predict what can happen during those moments prior to arriving at the airport, and any delay can cost you a missed flight, and a lot of money.'
A TikToker's Unexpected Test Run
Dubai-based TikToker Suwaj Giri said he inadvertently tried the airport theory when returning to the UAE from Nepal earlier this year. He told KT: 'I was early, but at the check-in counter I was informed that the boarding was about to close.
I ran through the airport and got to the gate in less than 15 minutes.'
Now curious about whether the method holds up in different situations, Suwaj said he might try it again later this year but noted that much depends on the terminal. 'For example, if you are travelling out of Terminal 2, it will be a breeze to get to the gate in 15 minutes,' he said. 'But if you are flying from Terminal 3, you need 45 minutes to just navigate the airport.'
'However, I am curious about the trend and will definitely be trying it out when I travel next,' he added.
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