I've had this a lot recently... it is without doubt the weakest part of EK's product. Particularly infuriating is the one-way system that takes all buses via the flower terminal, cargo terminal and EKFC when much more direct routes are available.

Also - the new 'Business' buses have been in operation for a while, but I've been on a 2-class flight where J ended up in a Y bus (as the J bus was second in the queue) and in F on a few where F,J and some Y have been stuffed in one bus! What's the point of the slightly newer bus? It doesn't make the half-hour wait any more tolerable.

They need a stand four times a day.

But that applies to all transit hubs; SIN, HKG etc, DXB is no different

My record, and this was on a business bus, was 40 mins, having arrived at 01:20 from Male'. Traffic was bad, driver jerked the bus a lot, no visibility, so my two year old vomited chunks. That was GREAT! The time made it much better too. Two year old lip wobbled...... :-(

Yep, happened to me on at least 4 or 5 occasions in the past couple of years coming in from GLA. The bus journey took about 30 mins, the bus was jam-packed and it was a thoroughly unpleasant experience. And then I hada an 8 hour flight to JNB to look forward to. The GLA flights always seemed to catch any negatives that were going when it came to landing (always had long circling), disembarking (always down stairs into a bus) and eventually getting into T3. I remember on one occasion being dumped at T1 and walking all the way to security at T3-about a 15 minute walk.

Yea, I don't like transiting, period. It is a little worse to break journey half way, honestly. For example what would be a 12 hour overnight flight to Europe then becomes 2x 6 hour flights with a 3 hour transit.

I don't mind doing that when I have plenty of time and can stop in DXB for a night and always be on day flights, but it is quite unpleasant doing it in one shot, on a short trip, and with segments in Y.

(WAM) / 4 October 2012

His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has instructed Dubai International Airport authorities to introduce prompt, effective measures to process transactions of inbound and outbound passengers without delay and regardless of their nationality, and cultural and religious backgrounds.

Sheikh Mohammed gave his instructions during a tour today of Dubai Airport�s to inspect progress of work, packages of services provided to passengers and other facilities.

Flanked by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, Sheikh Mohammed visited at Terminal 1, Concourse 1 and 2, and Emirates� Terminal 3, where he inspected quality of travel formalities and talked with a group of passengers.

Sheikh Mohammed said procedures at check-in and check-out counters, baggage delivery carousels and passenger inspection points were �very good� but not enough and instructed that more smooth and quicker services be introduced. He affirmed that land, sea and air ports were receiving his personal care and follow up so as to remain the civilised facade of �our people� and the wide open entry gateways for all guests of the UAE. He instructed officials and staff at the airport to treat and welcome visitors with smile, respect and hospitality in a manner which reflects the traditions of the UAE�s culture.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-artic...ion=government

Funny you mention this - this has happened on pretty much the last 4-5 times ive flown out from GLA on the EK28. The map on the screens is like a kid has been drawing circles . Easily adds 30 minutes - whats funny is when the captain announces 'cabin crew take your seats for landing'... you automatically know theres a good 30-40 mins until the plane comes anywhere close to the runway / descend.

Yep did that on a flight from GLA, did circles over the water for a bit then flew straight over Dubia and did a few more circles over the sand. I was starting to wonder if they were going to re-fuel us mid air so we could stay up there a bit longer.

The kicker though was when we did get on the ground we all got on buses to do more circles (its funny now but not at the time).