Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service Prepares for Busy Period

Emirates is currently operating one of the busiest time periods for its Unaccompanied Minors Service, as many children return to Dubai from summers spent abroad to start the new school year. In the coming week alone, Emirates will welcome more than 900 children, who are flying alone using the acclaimed family-friendly service.

Over the past 5 years, more than 120,000 children have availed of Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors and Young Passenger services. The majority of children who have travelled alone in Emirates care are aged 11 years or younger. The families who currently use the service the most are British, then Indian, followed by American, Filipino and French.

When children are flying without their family, Emirates is there every step of the way. For those aged between 5 and 11 years old, Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service ensures young people enjoy a supervised and safe trip from check‑in to destination, with plenty of fun and memorable moments along the way.

What does Emirates’ Unaccompanied Minors Service include?

A safe place to chill out and play - Emirates Unaccompanied Minors Lounge

When parents and guardians bring their young flyer to Dubai International Airport (DXB), they can go straight to the Unaccompanied Minors Lounge near the check‑in area. Proof of identification must be provided to Emirates by the person dropping off the child and the guardian will need to sign a permission form.

Children will be swiftly checked in and can then relax with video games, free Wi‑Fi, and comfortable sofas. In the dedicated and private space supervised by the Emirates team, kids can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while they wait for their flight and use the children’s bathrooms.

Support and supervision from a trained Emirates specialist for the whole journey

At the airport, a specialist member of Emirates’ team will meet the child at the Unaccompanied Minors check‑in desk. The Emirates specialist stays with the child all the way through the airport, taking care of them and carrying their passport for safety.

The specialist helps them through security and immigration, facilitating priority boarding so that the child has time to get settled on their flight, before introducing them to the cabin crew at the aircraft door for the next stage. While in the air, Emirates cabin crew are on hand to make sure the young flyer has a comfortable and memorable journey.

Parents and guardians can request any special dietary requirements in advance and advise whether the child would like to sit by the window or the aisle, or seat siblings together.

Emirates cabin crew regularly check on the child to ensure they are enjoying their trip, are eating their meals and whether they need any support in adjusting their seat or inflight entertainment system.