Dubai Airport Faces Unprecedented Disruption as Deadly Floods Sweep Gulf Region
Heavy rains have caused severe flooding across the Gulf states, resulting in at least 20 persons killed and significant disruptions at Dubai International Airport, the world’s second-busiest air hub, gathered Excel Magazine International.
This medium further learnt that the Dubai International Airport is grappling with “very challenging conditions,” and has urged passengers to avoid coming to the airport due to waterlogged runways.
In the northern regions, one man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by flash floods.
Oman has reported 19 deaths since Sunday, with the latest being a young girl found in Saham.
Flight Aware data indicates that more than 270 flights were canceled at Dubai International on Wednesday, and an additional 370 flights were delayed.
The airport, a crucial global transit point, has stated that a full recovery from these disruptions will take time.
Emirates, the major airline headquartered in Dubai, has halted check-ins for flights departing the city until Thursday.
Authorities are on alert for more adverse weather, forecasting further thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, with several low-lying areas already submerged.
The United Arab Emirates, bordering Oman to the north, experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years on Tuesday, with the National Centre of Meteorology reporting that Khatm al-Shakla, in the emirate of Al Ain, received 254.8mm (9.7 inches) of rain in under 24 hours.
Typically, the UAE receives about 140-200mm of rain annually, while Dubai averages only 97mm. The monthly average for April is approximately 8mm.
Recent footage from central Dubai displayed numerous vehicles submerged along a flooded stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road, with significant traffic congestion reported on other sections of the 12-lane highway.
