You can also make a special request for our Unaccompanied Minors service for solo travelers aged between 12 and 15 if you'd like us to be with them on their journey. We'll help your child to enjoy a fun and memorable trip from check-in until meeting their parent or guardian at their destination.

Emirates has a very specific "Unaccompanied Minors" (UM) policy in 2026. The service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 who are traveling without a parent or legal guardian. These children must travel on an "Adult Fare" to cover the cost of the dedicated specialist staff who accompany them through the airport, into the "Young Flyers" lounge in Dubai, and onto the aircraft. For "Young Passengers" aged 12 to 15, the UM service is optional; they can fly alone on an adult ticket without assistance, or parents can pay a fee (typically $50 USD per leg) to have them supervised. Children under the age of 5 are never permitted to fly alone and must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or older. In 2026, Emirates requires all UM bookings to be made at least 12 hours in advance. It is also important to note that if a child is connecting to another airline, the maximum layover allowed in Dubai is 4 to 8 hours depending on the route, and they are not permitted to stay overnight at the airport alone.