Emirates Unveils Lavish First-Class Upgrade Plan

Renovation of Emirates First-Class Check-in Area at Dubai Airport: What to Know?
Temporary closure for luxury reconstruction
Emirates has announced the closure of its first-class check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB) as they work on building an entirely new, exclusive lounge. The renovation is expected to last until June 2025, with the aim of allowing passengers to begin their journeys in an even more luxurious, private environment.
According to Emirates' statement, the new lounge will offer unique services, allowing first-class passengers to enter the check-in area through private doors, where they can relax on comfortable sofas while the airline's staff handles baggage check-in and boarding pass issuance.
Where to check in until then?
While the new lounge is under construction, first-class passengers can manage their travel-related tasks at Terminal 3 check-in counters:
Passengers for U.S. flights can use check-in counters 54–60.
Passengers for all other flights can check in at counters 16–20.
Terminal 3 is the central hub for Emirates at Dubai International Airport, offering several exclusive lounges for first-class and business class passengers. The three first-class and three business class lounges, as well as the recently opened Emirates Lounge, will remain accessible to all premium passengers during the renovation.
What does Emirates First-Class offer in Dubai?
For Emirates first-class passengers, premium services have already been available at Dubai Airport, including:
a. Separate security checks minimizing waiting times.
b. Personalized escort services assisting transferring passengers.
c. Luxury lounges where passengers can relax and enjoy premium meals before boarding.
d. Chauffeur services ensuring passengers arrive comfortably at the airport.
Emirates highlighted that after completing the renovation, first-class passengers will enjoy an even higher level of comfort. The airline claims the new private lounge will offer an unparalleled experience where passengers can prepare for their journey in a calm environment.
Million-dollar investments in premium lounges worldwide
Emirates is investing significant amounts in developing its premium services not only in Dubai but worldwide. In the first half of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, they invested 44 million dirhams in opening new exclusive lounges and renovating existing facilities. New premium lounges have opened at London Stansted and Jeddah airports, while the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport lounge underwent a complete renovation.
This investment is part of a long-term, multi-million dollar development program aimed at elevating Emirates' premium services globally.
Passenger growth at Emirates
The timing of the renovation also reflects that Emirates continues to experience strong growth. From April 1 to September 30, 2024, the airline transported 26.9 million passengers, marking a three percent increase compared to the same period the previous year.
When will the new first-class lounge open?
Emirates has not yet provided an exact date for the opening of the new first-class check-in lounge, but the airline promises further updates on the project's progress in the coming months.
If you are traveling first-class with Emirates, it is worth following the airline's official announcements about the luxurious reimagination at Dubai Airport.