Dubai International Airport has said it is facing significant disruption due to adverse weather conditions, with efforts underway to restore normal operations swiftly. Flights have experienced delays or diversions, with crew displacement exacerbating the situation, the airport said in a statement. The recovery process is expected to take some time.
"We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary. Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions," the airport warned in a post on X.
Emirates airline, based in Dubai, announced the suspension of passenger check-in services for flights departing from the airport from 8 a.m. (0400 GMT) until midnight on Wednesday. This decision was made in response to operational challenges stemming from the inclement weather and poor road conditions.
"Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights. Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals, and are advised to check the latest flight schedules on https://emirat.es/flightstatus," the airline said.
United Arab Emirates-listed carrier AirArabia has said check-in for flights from and to Sharjah International Airport will be suspended until 02:00 am April 18 due to impact of severe weather conditions in UAE.
Dubai International Airport also temporarily diverted arriving flights on Tuesday evening due to a storm, with operations suspended for a brief period of 25 minutes earlier in the day. The airport and airline continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.
Standing water covered taxiways, forcing the suspension of arrivals as aircraft crews struggled to access the airfield amidst the floodwaters. Passengers faced challenges reaching terminals due to flooded roads, with some describing the scene as "absolute carnage."
International airlines, including from India, have faced big disruptions in their operations. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have acknowledged flight delays and cancellations.
EgyptAir has suspended flights between Cairo and Dubai temporarily till weather conditions in UAE improve.
Heavy thunderstorms wreaked havoc in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, inundating Dubai with rainfall equivalent to over a year and a half's worth in just a few hours. The downpour led to extensive flooding, affecting major highways and Dubai International Airport.
Meanwhile, neighboring Oman grappled with its own tragedy as the death toll from separate heavy flooding rose to 18, with others still missing.
The deluge began late Monday, saturating Dubai with approximately 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data from Dubai International Airport. By Tuesday morning, the storms intensified, unleashing more rain and hail on the city, with over 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) recorded within 24 hours. This amount far exceeded the average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) at the airport, causing chaos for travelers and residents alike.
Emergency personnel navigated flooded streets, while lightning illuminated the sky, occasionally striking the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The city's Metro system experienced disruptions, with flooded stations adding to the difficulties.
Across the UAE, precautionary measures were taken ahead of the storm, with schools closing and government employees working remotely. However, some ventured out, only to find themselves stranded in flooded roads.
Read, more on: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/dubais-torrential-rains-dubai-international-airport-emirates-sends-out-warnings-to-passengers/articleshow/109363714.cms
