Dubai has launched a new system that will see airport check-in times cut down from two hours to just 45 minutes.

The recently trialled City Terminal project allows travellers to complete security screening and immigration procedures, including passport control, before arriving at Dubai International Airport.

Travellers are also able to check in at a location in the city, hand over luggage before arriving at DXB and head straight to the airport concourse in a secure vehicle.

The emirate is exploring loads of different ways to speed up the check-in process ahead of a planned move of all services from DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport in 2032.

In the future, more of the passenger journey will take place outside of the main airport complex.

While the trial proved to be a success, it’s unclear whether the City Terminal concept will be introduced as a regular passenger service, where facilities would be located and which airlines would participate in the system.

Results of the trial were announced during the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre by Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP).

The move aims to reduce the notoriously busy congestion surrounding the world’s busiest airport and prepare the city for operations eventually moving to Al Maktoum International Airport.

First announced in January 2026, the City Terminal project is led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects with help from Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, GRFA – Dubai, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Emirates and Etisalat.

The trial was not only about how time could be saved for travellers but also demonstrated how airport processes could be redesigned in the future to make things simpler for passengers.