Heavy rain lashed parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, causing significant disruptions to air travel at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the region's busiest aviation hub.
Dubai Airports, the operator of DXB, confirmed that 13 inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports due to the adverse weather conditions. The diversions aimed to prioritize passenger safety and ensure smooth operations amidst the downpour.
The affected flights were rerouted to alternative landing sites, including Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi (AUH), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – also located within Dubai – and even airports in neighboring countries like Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman and Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar.
Airlines such as Emirates, with flights like EK084 from Geneva and EK058 from Dusseldorf, were impacted by the diversions. Dubai Airports emphasized close collaboration with airlines and service partners to minimize inconvenience for passengers caught in the unexpected situation.
The downpour also caused congestion and waterlogging on roads leading to DXB. The authorities advised travelers flying out of Dubai to consider alternative transportation options like the Dubai Metro and to factor in additional travel time due to the weather conditions.
While some airlines, like Etihad, reported their flights departing from Abu Dhabi were operating as usual, passengers were urged to stay updated on the latest flight information directly with their airlines or by checking the official Dubai Airports website.
The unexpected weather event comes amidst forecasts of unstable weather conditions across the UAE for the weekend of March 8th to 10th. While the rains are a welcome change for the region, the intensity has caused temporary disruptions to transportation networks.
Dubai International Airport, a vital link for global travel, has implemented measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during the downpour. The swift diversions and collaborative efforts between airport authorities and airlines aim to minimize delays and ensure a smooth return to normalcy once the weather conditions improve.
