UAE weather live: Emirates hit by severe storms
Dubai International Airport is facing significant disruptions to operations after the UAE was hit by an unprecedented storm that saw the heaviest rainfall on record in the past 24 hours.
The major travel hub was forced to shut down operations for 25 minutes on Tuesday due to the adverse weather.
Roads leading to the airport remained blocked and flooded after the deluge.
Several passengers missed flights due to the flooding, while many airlines cancelled or diverted services.
The airport urged passengers not to travel to the airport unless “absolutely necessary” on Wednesday morning.
Chief executive Paul Griffiths said the hub’s biggest challenge is flooding and backlog of aircraft.
“We’re having to operate a strict one-in-one-out philosophy because there’s nowhere to park these aircraft as they are arriving and departing,” he said on Dubai Eye on Wednesday.
Dubai World Central is facing similar challenges after flights from Dubai International were diverted there, he said.
“Some airlines are experiencing problems with crew duty hours and trying to get aircraft mobilised,” he added.
Mr Griffiths praised the efforts of emergency services and thanked Dubai’s Road and Transports Authority for their help in getting operations back to normal.
“It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like it,” he said.
“We are in uncharted territory, but I can assure everyone we are working as hard as we possibly can to make sure our customers and staff are looked after, and are given food and refreshments.”
Travel disruptions
Emirates airline on Wednesday morning announced that it had suspended check-in for passengers departing from Dubai until midnight.
“Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights,” the airline said.
“Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals and are advised to check the latest flight schedules.
“We sincerely apologise for the convenience caused.”
Dozens of passengers wait at Dubai Airport as flights were delayed or cancelled due to heavy rain. AFP
At least 20 flights due to depart from Dubai International – one of the world’s busiest airports – were cancelled on Tuesday with dozens more delayed, affecting destinations including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
Passengers were urged not to travel to the airport unless necessary.
“Due to the unprecedented weather conditions in the UAE, Dubai International is advising passengers not to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary,” an official said.
“Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please contact your airline for the latest information on your flight status.
“We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.”
RTA announced a free shuttle bus service for passengers arriving at the airport.
There will also be a free service at specific stations along the Metro’s Red and Green lines.
The authority announced earlier that it would be scheduling maintenance at stations, which would affect both metro schedules and stations.
On Wednesday, the authority said traffic on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, heading to Sharjah, had been diverted to Dubai-Al Ain Road, leading to Emirates Road.
Aftermath of the heavy rains across the UAE – in pictures
Floodwater in Mussaffah Industrial City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
A lorry navigates a flooded section of Al Qudra Road after heavy rain in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Vehicles brave flooded Al Qudra Road in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Gridlock ensues on flooded Al Qudra Road in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Caution was urged by police following the heavy rain in Dubai that caused flooding on several roads. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Floodwaters rise near a mosque in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Floodwater creeps between homes in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Stagnant floodwater in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Dubai Municipality has responded to floods caused by the heavy rain. Photo: Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality workers join the clean-up effort following bouts of heavy rain. Photo: Dubai Municipality
News Related-
AWS and Clarity AI to use generative AI to boost sustainable investments
-
Ref Watch: 'Enough' of a foul to disallow Man City goal vs Liverpool
-
Day in the Life: Ex-England rugby star on organising this year's Emirates Dubai Sevens
-
Pandya returns to MI, Green goes to RCB
-
Snowstorm kills eight in Ukraine and Moldova, hundreds of towns lose power
-
‘This is why fewer Sikhs visiting gurdwaras abroad’: BJP after Indian envoy heckled in Long Island
-
Inside a Dubai home with upcycled furniture and zero waste
-
Captain Turner aims for Pitch 1 return as JESS bid to retain Dubai Sevens U19 crown
-
No Antoine Dupont but Dubai still set to launch new era for sevens
-
Why ESG investors are concerned about AI
-
Your campsite can harm the environment
-
Mubadala, Saudi Fund deals on US radar for potential China angle
-
Abu Dhabi T10 season seven to kick off with thrilling double-header
-
Eight climate fiction, or cli-fi, books to consider before Cop28