UAE rain: Air travel disrupted as more than 45 flights affected at Dubai airport
Dubai Airport announces to divert all inbound flights till weather improves
Dubai: Shortly after halting flight operations for nearly 30 minutes due to heavy rains and flooding on Tuesday afternoon, the Dubai International Airport resumed operation but only for outbound flights.
The airport said in a statement: “Due to the intense storm, operations were temporarily suspended for 25 minutes this afternoon but have since recommenced and are now in recovery mode. Dubai International Airport revealed that at least 48 flights were affected till 5.51pm on Tuesday. Some 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights were canceled, as 3 were diverted in the short span of 25-30 minutes when the operations were halted.
However, the airport also decided to temporarily divert all inbound flights due to arrive on Tuesday evening until the inclement situation improves. However, departures will continue to operate as normal. According to an airport spokesperson, the flights would be diverted to the nearest ‘available airports’; however, the spokesperson told Gulf News that the decision on where to land the aircraft would be up to the airlines.
According to airline activity tracker flightradar24, Dubai International Airport arrivals showed an average disruption time of 74 minutes, while departures were delayed by 85 minutes. Meanwhile, arrivals at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi were delayed by 45 minutes, and departures were delayed by 55.
“The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers,” said the spokesperson.
We are temporarily diverting arriving flights this evening until the weather conditions improve. Departures will continue to operate.
— DXB (@DXB) April 16, 2024
Together with our partners, we’re working to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to you.
Follow @DXB for further updates.
According to airport authorities, delays and disruptions are expected to persist into the early hours of Wednesday, April 17, due to significant flooding on access roads to Dubai Airport and ongoing unsettled weather.
FlyDubai's official website quotes an advisory, "Adverse weather is forecast in the UAE over the next few days. This may affect our operations at Dubai International and your journey to and from the airport. Please stay safe and ensure you allow more time for your journey," the advisory was highlighted on April, 15, at 17:02 Dubai (GMT+4).
Emirates Airlines advised travellers to plan, cautioning that there could be delays on the roads leading to Dubai International Airport. Similarly, Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, acknowledged that adverse weather conditions might cause delays for some flights.
“We urge guests to check directly with their airline to obtain the latest information on the status of their flight, allow extra travel time to the airport, and use Dubai Metro for smoother transit,” the statement added.
Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were suspended for 25 minutes today due to an intense storm that caused flash floods and the cancellation of about 45 flights.pic.twitter.com/0AshR411IA
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) April 16, 2024
On the other hand, there is immense flooding on access roads on Dubai which are leading towards the airport and the weather forecast predicted more rains in Wednesday.
Passengers are urged to check directly with their airline to obtain the latest information on their flight status and allow significant extra travel time to the airport. Authorities have also urged flyers to use Dubai Metro for smoother transit, which has extended operating hours until 3 am on Tuesday.