Thread of best videos I’ve been sent of the current situation in Dubai from the storm. pic.twitter.com/sK6aRL6Jdu
— Charles Read (@chatwithcharles) April 16, 2024
Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were suspended for 25 minutes a day today due to severe storms, a statement from local authorities said. Operations have resumed, the airport added, but a total of 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights have been canceled since 12:02 a.m., and three flights have been diverted to other neighboring airports, a spokesman told Gulf News.
Heavy rains are currently lashing the UAE and countries in the region, flooding parts of highways and leaving vehicles stranded on roads across Dubai. Meanwhile, the death toll from heavy flooding in neighboring Oman has risen to 18, while many are still missing.
Meanwhile, at Dubai airport… pic.twitter.com/R2AqK3hS1d
— Jayroo (@jayroo69) April 16, 2024
Storm closes Dubai International Airport temporarily https://t.co/plkCfhYdaw pic.twitter.com/G4ekKquJry
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 16, 2024
As mentioned, the rains started overnight and left huge puddles on the streets as the strong winds disrupted flights at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and home to the giant Emirates airline. By this evening, more than 120 millimeters of rain had flooded Dubai, the typical average for a whole year in the country, with more rains expected to hit the place in the coming hours.
The delays continue
As there is major flooding on the approach roads around Dubai leading to the airport and current weather forecasts indicate that the stormy weather will continue to cause delays and disruptions in the early hours of tomorrow (Wednesday, April 17), airport authorities say. “Response teams have been activated and we are working closely with airlines and other service partners to restore normal operations as soon as possible and minimize inconvenience to our customers,” the spokesperson said.
FOOTAGE: HISTORIC STORM in #Dubai right now! Non-stop extreme downpours have been occurring since morning, triggering massive floods all across the city. Rain accumulation is now exceeding up to 100mm. pic.twitter.com/EaTLAO55GU
— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) April 16, 2024
Mall of the Emirates in Dubai affected by Storm… pic.twitter.com/kbnb4MniqF
— zero (@Mr_Xoom) April 16, 2024
Fly Dubai also said the severe weather conditions in the UAE had affected its flight schedule. “We have canceled several flights and are currently experiencing several delays. We are working hard to minimize any disruption to our passengers’ schedules and are coordinating with all parties at the airport,” the airline said in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor the weather conditions, and we advise our passengers to allow extra time on their departure to the airport and to check the status of their flight on the company’s website,” said a spokesman for Fly Dubai.
What should passengers do?
Currently, there is no change to the flight schedule at Ben-Gurion Airport, but passengers are asked to check directly with their airline to get the most up-to-date information on their flight status and allow for significant additional travel time before leaving for the airport. Authorities also urged Dubai commuters to use the Dubai Metro for an easier journey, with timetables extended until 3am tonight. “We are actively cooperating with our service partners and airlines to minimize any inconvenience experienced by our valued guests,” Dubai authorities wrote.