Viral trend challenges traditional travel habits as flyers attempt to reach the boarding gate in just 15 minutes
A new social media trend called “Airport Theory” is taking off among Dubai travellers, turning the conventional wisdom of arriving three hours early for international flights on its head. The theory, which has gone viral across TikTok and Instagram, suggests that passengers can make it from the airport entrance to their boarding gate in just 15 minutes — if they travel light and avoid peak times, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Dubai-based frequent flyer Mansoor Ali, 50, says he’s been practising “airport theory” for years — even before it was a viral trend. “I’ve had security jog alongside me to get me to the gate. I travel light and check in online, so I don’t see the point in being at the airport hours in advance,” he told Khaleej Times. Despite the risks, he claims he’s only missed two flights in over a decade.
Though he now arrives a bit earlier to enjoy the lounge, Mansoor still believes most travellers overestimate how much time they need. “It depends on the season and how busy the airport is,” he added.
Airports and Airlines Push Back
Dubai International Airport (DXB) cheekily weighed in on the trend with a video asking travellers why they’d risk missing a flight “when you can enjoy a matcha at the gate instead?”
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Airlines like Emirates took a firmer stance
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The carrier recently advised passengers to continue arriving three hours before departure, especially during busy holiday periods, citing large crowds and traffic delays as reasons for caution
Younger Travellers Stay Cautious
Not everyone is on board with the high-risk approach. Emirati university student Hind Hassan, 22, firmly rejects the trend. “Why would anyone arrive 20 minutes before a flight just to rush and stress for no reason?” she said.
Hind, who arrives as much as four hours early, enjoys the calm of the airport lounge and doesn’t see the appeal of cutting it close. “It’s too risky. A single delay can cost you a missed flight — and a lot of money.”
TikTokers Put the Theory to the Test
Dubai-based content creator Suwaj Giri said he accidentally tested the theory while returning from Nepal. “I thought I was early, but they told me the gate was closing. I sprinted through the airport and made it in less than 15 minutes,” he recalled.
Suwaj says he might try the theory again, but with caution. “It really depends on the terminal. Terminal 2 is easy, but Terminal 3 is huge — just getting to the gate takes 45 minutes,” he said.
The Verdict? Proceed with Caution
While “airport theory” may appeal to light packers and thrill-seekers, travel experts and airlines still recommend the traditional buffer time — especially during peak seasons. As viral as the trend may be, the cost of a missed flight may outweigh the thrill of a last-minute dash.
