Diverted flights, delays, and flight cancellations as UAE suffers highest rainfall in 75 years… 

Multiple airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai, are grappling with disruption and delays following heavy rain and thunderstorms that struck the UAE yesterday, April 16, resulting in flooded airport runways.

All passengers are urged to check their flight status directly with the airline before setting off to the airport. Here are the latest updates:

Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has warned not to go the airport unless absolutely necessary.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is suffering significant disruption due to the weather, with flooding and road blockages causing passengers limited transport options to get into the airport. The airport strongly urges passengers to check the status of their flight with the airline before setting off and to allow significant extra travel time.

After being forced to shut down all operations for 25 minutes, the world’s busiest international airport, DXB, temporarily diverted all inbound flights on the evening of Tuesday, April 16, “until the situation improves”.

Emirates

Emirates airline has suspended check-in for passengers flying out of Dubai on Wednesday, April 17 from 8am, after the UAE suffers the heaviest rainfall it’s seen in 75 years.

The Dubai-based airline stated that check-in will be suspended until midnight on April 17 “due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions.” Passengers affected can contact their booking agent or rebook their flights online: emirates.com

Those flying with Emirates are likely to face delays or disruption, passengers can check the status of their flight online: emirates.com.

Flydubai departures

Flydubai cancelled all flights scheduled for departure from April 16 until 10am today, April 17. Passengers affected will be offered a full refund. You can check the status of your flight here: flydubai.com 

A spokesperson for Flydubai stated, “All flydubai flights scheduled for departure from Dubai this evening (16 April) have been cancelled effective immediately until 10:00 (Dubai local time) on 17 April. During this period, passengers who do not have Dubai as their final destination will not be accepted for travel. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our schedule accordingly.”

Zayed International Airport

In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport is also facing disruption due to the weather conditions, with some flights including Etihad Airways and Wizz Air, facing three to four hour delays. The airport advises passengers to check with their airline and allow extra time to get to the airport.

Images: DXB