Emirates forsees extended flight disruptions amid historic Dubai rain
Many flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Dubai have been either cancelled or delayed
Dubai: Emirates has temporarily suspended check-in for passengers departing from Dubai International Airport due to operational challenges caused by adverse weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
The airline advises affected customers to contact their booking agent or visit its website’s help and support page to rebook. Passengers already in transit and arriving in Dubai should expect delays in departures and arrivals, but the airline will continue to process them for their flights.
The airline apologises for the inconvenience caused and assures that it is working hard to restore its scheduled operations and provide all possible support to affected customers.
Dubai customers with flights scheduled for today (17 April) are advised not to go to @DXB, as check-in remains suspended for all flights. Your safety is our top priority.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) April 17, 2024
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The UAE, a desert country, is facing unprecedented weather conditions. On Tuesday, it witnessed record rainfall, with 254mm falling in Al Ain in less than 24 hours. According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), this is the heaviest rainfall recorded since 1949. The UAE was formally established in 1971.
Several international airlines have also cancelled flights to and from Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday. On April 16, nine outbound and eight inbound flights were cancelled, while three flights were diverted to neighbouring airports. As the situation deteriorated, more flights were disrupted, and operations were suspended for 25 minutes in the afternoon.
Dubai Airport, its emergency response teams, and service partners are trying to restore normal operations as soon as possible and provide support for passengers. However, flight disruptions are expected to continue for some time due to the displaced crew. The airport advises passengers not to come to the airport unless necessary and to contact their airline for the latest information on their flight status.