IndiGo and Air India flights are encountering disruptions as Dubai International Airport diverts flight arrivals due to heavy rains causing flooding across the United Arab Emirates and on the tarmac of one of the world’s busiest airports.
The United Arab Emirates continues to grapple with the aftermath of a historic storm this week that paralyzed much of the country.
Operations at Dubai airport, a crucial travel hub, remain disrupted following Tuesday’s storm, which flooded the runway, leading to flight diversions, delays, and cancellations.
The airport announced Thursday morning that it had resumed receiving inbound flights at Terminal 1, utilized by foreign carriers, but flight operations continue to experience delays and disturbances.
Emirates, the largest carrier at the airport, announced it would resume passenger check-ins in Dubai at 9 a.m. (0500 GMT) on Thursday, delaying the restart by nine hours from the initially planned midnight.
Stranded passengers faced challenges in accessing food, with nearby roads blocked by floodwaters and limited access due to overcrowding for those with confirmed bookings.
The storm, originating in neighboring Oman on Sunday, struck the UAE on Tuesday, inundating roads and causing extensive traffic jams as rainwater flooded homes. One fatality was reported in the UAE, with 20 casualties in Oman.
Residents found themselves trapped in traffic, offices, and residences as the UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall in the 75 years of recorded history, according to authorities. Government employees and students were advised to stay home until waterlogged roads were cleared.
Climate experts attribute such extreme weather events to rising temperatures resulting from human-induced climate change, which intensifies storms by increasing moisture in the atmosphere.
Researchers anticipate that climate change will lead to higher temperatures, elevated humidity, and increased risk of flooding in the Gulf region, exacerbated by insufficient drainage infrastructure in countries like the UAE.
Despite speculation, a UAE government agency overseeing cloud seeding denied conducting any such operations before the storm.
In response to the disaster, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan instructed authorities to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected families, as reported by the state news agency.
Dubai International Airport acknowledged significant disruptions due to adverse weather conditions and pledged efforts to restore normal operations promptly.