Due to notoriously heavy rainfall that has been hitting the Gulf states since Tuesday, Dubai Airport is advising travellers to stay home as runways are currently flooded. Both Emirates and FlyDubai are reporting heavy impact on their schedules.
Since Tuesday morning, the Gulf states have been facing heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail. The severe weather has been causing flash floods, and so far, 20 people have been reported dead. For the United Arab Emirates, the rainfall represents a first since records began 75 years ago.
Rain-swept heartache and glory, #Dubai!#Dubaifloods pic.twitter.com/pFiLwrgngh
— World Times (@WorldTimesWT) April 17, 2024
According to the National Centre of Meteorology, 254,8 mm of rainfall had fallen on Khatm al-Shakla in the Emirate of al-Ain over less than 24 hours, whereas normally, the country averages 140–200 mm of rainfall per year. In the centre of Dubai, the extreme weather conditions have resulted in submerged vehicles and long traffic jams.
Not only ground traffic is being impacted by the rainfall. Dubai Airport is experiencing difficulties as well, with runways getting flooded, causing important delays and cancellations.
“We are currently experiencing significant disruption due to the weather and are continuously working with our emergency response teams and service partners to restore normal operations as quickly as possible”, Dubai Airport said on X. “Flooding and road blockages have left limited transport options for arriving and departing guests. Flights are delayed/diverted and impacted by displaced crew.”
Emirates is suspending check-in for passengers departing from Dubai Airport from 8:00 am on 17 April until midnight, due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions. However, passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights.
