Do I really need to be at the airport 4 hours before my flight?

For January/February 2026 departures, the answer is YES.

The Choke Points:

1. Vehicle Scan: There is a queue just to drive into the airport premises.
2. Initial X-Ray: You queue to scan bags before you even get to the check-in counter.
3. Immigration: The e-gates help, but the manual lines are long.

The "Peak" Factor: Most long-haul flights to Europe/Middle East leave between 12 AM and 3 AM. The airport is a zoo at this time.

The Strategy: Aim for 3.5 hours. If you arrive only 2 hours before, you will likely be running through the terminal in panic. Better to be early and bored than stressed!