DXB diverts inbound flights temporarily
DELAYS TO CONTINUE TODAY DUE TO FLOODING ON ACCESS ROADS
Dubai International Airport (DXB) temporarily diverted all inbound flights last evening until the inclement weather improved, a spokesperson told Gulf News. Departures operated as normal.
According to the spokesperson, the flights would be diverted to the nearest “available airports”; however, the decision was up to the airline.
“The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers,” he said.
Operations halted at DXB for 25 minutes in the afternoon, with 45 flights cancelled by 5.15pm, a DXB spokesperson said.
According to flightradar24, DXB arrivals showed an average disruption time of 74 minutes while departures were delayed by 85 minutes. Meanwhile, at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi arrivals were delayed by 45 minutes and departures by 55 minutes.
Dubai carrier flydubai suspended all outbound flights from Dubai until 10am today. Emirates airline advised travellers to plan, cautioning that there could be delays on the roads leading to DXB.
Etihad Airways acknowledged that adverse weather conditions might cause some delays. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi experienced delays, with some flights delayed by at least three to four hours.
Disruptions to persist
Due to significant flooding on access roads to Dubai Airport and ongoing unsettled weather, delays and disruptions are expected to persist into early hours of today, according to airport authorities.
“Response teams have been activated and we are working closely with airlines and other service partners to restore normal operations at the earliest and minimise inconvenience to our customers,” the spokesperson said.
Heavy rains in the UAE forced schools, government departments and many companies to implement distance learning and remote work yesterday with roads flooded and waterlogging and poor visibility disrupting Dubai Metro and Tram services and flights at Dubai airport.
The wet weather had started in most parts of the country on Monday and peaked yesterday, with a “second wave” drenching almost all areas. The National Centre of Meteorology had forecasted that the cloud cover will gradually clear by today afternoon.
Weathermen and police officers warned the public to steer clear of areas prone to flooding, such as valleys, and directed them to stay indoors.
Many motorists and pedestrians ventured out for their daily needs – as well as to take pictures and videos of the weather. Residents could be seen running for cover from the deluge or braving inundated streets to reach their destinations.
Officials from various government departments were on hand to direct traffic, clear debris and drain flooded roads.
Public transport, roads affected
Also in Dubai, traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road coming from the direction of Abu Dhabi was diverted, with motorists asked to use Expo Street or Al Yalayis Street instead to head into town.
Dubai Metro stations on the Red Line were also affected, with buses transporting riders between UAE Exchange and Dubai Internet City stations, in addition to service disruption at ONPASSIVE and Equiti stations.
Dubai Tram service was temporarily halted been between stations 1 and 8. Meanwhile, intercity buses between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman were suspended.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Al Shuhada (Martyrs) Street caved in due to heavy rains, following which police cordoned off the affected area.
Also, in Al Qou’ area of Al Ain, extensive damage led to road collapses, creating deep potholes—one of which swallowed a white car.
Dubai International Airport (temporarily diverted all inbound flights last evening.