ABU DHABI, 27th June 2016 (WAM) --- Abu Dhabi Airports Company today said that registration of passports for electronic use to improve passenger flow at Abu Dhabi International Airport is now compulsory.

Smart Travel was launched in March to reduce by up to 70 per cent the time it takes for a passenger to clear the airports security checks.

Travellers with registered passports will be able to use bag drops and proceed through automated airport e-gates, Abu Dhabi Airports said in a press release.

E-registration counters in the check-in areas have been set up for travellers to register their travel documents as they wait.

The announcement came as about 85,000 people were expected to depart from the airport during the Eid Al Fitr holiday, which starts next Sunday.

Abu Dhabi Airports urged passengers to reach the airport three hours before their flight during the busy season.

The company said tens of thousands of travellers were expected this week as school holidays start.

July 6, 10 and 11 were forecast to be the airports busiest days.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.