How early should I be at Dubai (DXB)?
Arrive 3 to 3.5 hours before an international flight.
Source: Dubai Airports: FAQs, checked 5 Nov 2026.
How early to be at DXB
- International flights
- 3 to 3.5 hours before departure
From the airport's own advice. source
When check-in closes
- Cathay Pacific: 60 min before international flights (source)
- Singapore Airlines: 50 min before international flights (source)
- Thai Airways International: 50 min before international flights, 40 min before domestic flights (source)
These are the airline's own rules and they always win: after check-in closes, you can't fly.
An estimate, never a promise. Check your airline before you go. How we work this out