Emirates, Dubai’s leading airline, announced on April 19th the suspension of check-in services for all passengers with connecting flights through the city.
This decision comes three days after the United Arab Emirates experienced a record-breaking storm.
The suspension of flights with onward connections will remain in effect until 2359 GMT on April 19th.
However, passengers traveling to Dubai as their final destination can check-in and proceed with their travel plans as usual.
This move underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the airline and Dubai International Airport in managing the backlog of flights following the unprecedented rainfall that paralyzed much of the country for two days, causing significant disruptions and damage.
After taxiways were flooded due to a storm, Dubai International Airport has experienced flight diversions, delays, and cancellations.
According to Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths, thousands of passengers were impacted by flight cancellations this week, as he informed local radio station Dubai Eye on April 19.
Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker stated on April 18, as reported by state news agency WAM, that Dubai International Airport would resume normal operations within 24 hours, indicating a return to full capacity and regular schedules.
The storm, which struck neighboring Oman on April 14 before hitting the UAE on April 16, resulted in casualties, with 20 reported dead in Oman and one in the UAE.
In the aftermath, vehicles, including buses, were left abandoned on streets, while submerged cars were still visible on April 18.
Additionally, some supermarkets and restaurants in Abu Dhabi faced product shortages due to delivery disruptions from Dubai.
Although roads showed improvement by Friday, disruptions persisted.
REUTERS
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