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Emirates said in a statement that it is preparing for one of the busiest periods for its Unaccompanied Minors Service as families begin summer holidays before the new school year in Dubai. The carrier expects to welcome more than 3,500 children travelling independently over the next two weeks, according to the announcement released on July 3, 2026. The service supplies dedicated support from check-in through arrival to guarantee a supervised and enjoyable journey for each young passenger. Emirates emphasised that the program allows parents and guardians to book with confidence up to 24 hours before departure.
The company reported that more than 250,000 children have used its unaccompanied minors and young passenger services over the past five years. Most of these travellers are aged 11 years or younger, the statement indicated. The busiest routes connect Dubai with the United Kingdom, Russia, Kenya, France, India and Egypt.
According to the statement, children aged 5 to 12 years must utilise the service and travel on an adult fare while those aged 12 to 15 years may opt for the young passenger add-on at USD 50 per flight. The dedicated lounge at Dubai International Airport offers PlayStation 5 Pro consoles, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and complimentary snacks under specialist supervision. Trained Emirates staff escort each child through security, immigration and boarding while cabin crew provide ongoing attention during the flight.
UN Tourism data shows international tourist arrivals increased by 2 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to 307 million despite regional disruptions. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism projects the UAE travel and tourism market to reach a volume of USD 949,579 million by the end of 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 17.13 percent since 2021. Investment in the sector is forecast to rise by 11 percent per annum to USD 20.3 billion in 2027.
The statement noted that upon arrival a specialist meets the child at the aircraft door and accompanies them through the airport until handover to a verified guardian. For connecting flights at Dubai the maximum connection time is limited to eight hours to maintain comfort and security. Onboard young travellers can access more than 100 video games, extensive children’s content on the inflight entertainment system and special arrangements such as birthday cakes ordered in advance.
Emirates described the service as ensuring safety through identification checks at both drop-off and collection points along with continuous specialist oversight. The announcement outlined that children on connections spend time in the lounge or are escorted for meals if required. This preparation reflects sustained demand within the family travel segment of the aviation market.
