Airline operators at Dubai Airport have continued experience hurdles after the historic heavy rainfall that flooded the United Arab Emirate (UAE).
Techeconomy gathered from FlightAware that operators are experiencing flight delays and cancelations. As at the time of filling this report, the total flight cancellations for Thursday at Dubai Airport were 32, while total delays were 563.
FlightAware provides accurate real-time, historical and predictive flight insights to all segments of the aviation industry.
In the last three days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), there have been about 1,145 flights have been cancelled, according to data from Flightradar24.
Online videos showed the airport’s critical infrastructure being heavily flooded, with residents struggling through floodwater to reach their abandoned cars.
Authorities at the world’s second busiest airport described the situation as historic and unprecedented.
In 2023, the airport recorded approximately 38 million arrivals, 37.805 million departures, and 58.328 million transit passengers, according to Emirates News Agency.
The head of Dubai Airport, Paul Griffiths, said on X (former Twitter) “It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like this.”
In response to the severe weather conditions affecting the UAE, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s infrastructure.
This includes assessing the damage caused by heavy rainfall and providing assistance to affected families.
The president has instructed officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens, including facilitating the transfer of families to safe locations.
Some passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations at the airport called out Emirates on X.
An X user, Amy Clowrey, tagged Emirates and posted on Thursday, “Slightly confused, @emirates. My flight is on time, but check-in and bag drop are closed. So how can I make my flight? I was told all flights were canceled. Why we were not informed via email so we didn’t turn up to the airport, and why does it still say my flight is on time?
Her second post read, “Flight left without me, @emirates. Stood in a bag drop for an hour, then told to go to the check-in desk. There for 2+ hours and realised the flight had left (no email update). Now I have to rebook. Where are your staffs on the ground!? Arrived at 5 a.m. It’s now almost 1 p.m.”
Another user identified as Benz wrote, “Our Emirates connecting flight is from Dubai on the 16th. Our flight is canceled, and our luggage is with the flight. For two days, we didn’t have anything, so we stayed in a hotel. We have a flight today, the 18th. I don’t know where to collect bags, rechecking or not.”
Emirates reacts
Emirates has issued a statement in response to the flight cancellations and disruptions caused by the recent adverse weather and road conditions.
The airline urges customers affected by flight cancellations to reach out to their booking agents, direct message Emirates, or visit emirat.es/support for assistance with rebooking.
Acknowledging the ongoing delays in both arriving and departing flights, Emirates extends its sincerest apologies to impacted customers.
The airline recognizes the challenges faced by travelers and expresses appreciation for their understanding during this difficult time.
Part of the statement posted on X read, “While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights.
“Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations, as well as secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport.
“Our primary concern will always be the safety of our customers and crew, and this will never be compromised.”
Check-in reopens for Emirates, flydubai
The airport announced on Thursday the reopening of check-in services for Emirates and flydubai flights operating out of Terminal 3.
In a statement posted on its website, the airport emphasized the need for passengers to only come to Terminal 3 if they have received confirmation from their respective airlines regarding their flight departure.
Part of the statement read,
“There is currently a high volume of guests in the Terminal 3 check-in area. Passengers should only come to Terminal 3 if they have received a confirmation from their airline regarding their flight departure. Please contact your airline for the latest information on your flight status.
“We are working to process guests as quickly as possible and get everyone traveling to their destination.”
