UAE - Mubasher: Emirates, a flag carrier of the UAE, decided that as of 15 May 2023 most passengers travelling from Dubai will be required to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version.

Passengers checking in at Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass through email or SMS, yet those checking in online can load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the Emirates App.

Furthermore, the checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers or will be available in the Emirates App, according to a press release.

All passengers travelling on flights to the US, however, may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed. This is in addition to those travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, and passengers with onwards flights on other airlines.

Through this digital transformation step, the airline aims to reduce paper waste while providing passengers departing Dubai with a convenient and speedy digitised check-in experience and eliminate the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes.

Emirates said: “The mobile boarding pass can be used throughout the travel journey – in Dubai Duty Free, at security and for boarding, simply by showing the boarding pass on the phone. Emirates agents and airport staff will simply scan the QR code on the mobile boarding pass as passengers move through the airport and onto the aircraft.”

It added: “UAE Residents can register to use the Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 and speed through Immigration every time they return to Dubai. UAE citizens and residents can use their passport, boarding pass, or a valid UAE ID, while GCC nationals or visitors eligible for visa on arrival can pass through the Smart Gates with a biometric passport.”