Emirates Airlines has announced the suspension of check-in services at Dubai International Airport until midnight, citing adverse weather conditions and compromised road accessibility. The decision comes in response to the extensive flooding and hazardous road conditions caused by heavy rainfall in Dubai.
Videos circulating online depict Dubai International Airport’s runways submerged under water, resembling rivers rather than airstrips, as aircraft navigate through the floodwaters. The airport, ranked as the world’s second-busiest, faced significant disruption, with access roads blocked and flights delayed or canceled.In light of these challenges, Emirates Airlines has taken precautionary measures by halting check-ins for departing passengers until midnight. The airline advises travelers to monitor updates closely and refrain from unnecessary travel to the airport, given the ongoing delays and diversions.
Passengers currently in transit will continue to be processed, albeit with anticipated delays in departures and arrivals. Stranded travelers, such as Bilal, 25, who spent the night at the airport after arriving from Hong Kong, described the situation as chaotic, with limited transport options available.
The heavy rainfall, totaling nearly 4 inches (100 mm) in just 12 hours, exceeds Dubai’s typical annual precipitation, according to United Nations data. The sudden downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, transforming roads into waterways and prompting motorists to abandon their vehicles.Footage from social media shows water surging through malls and flooding homes’ ground floors, underscoring the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Dubai, known for its hot and arid climate, has limited infrastructure to handle such intense rainfall, exacerbating the challenges posed by the recent weather conditions.
Emirates’ decision to suspend check-ins reflects the severity of the situation and emphasizes the need for heightened preparedness and infrastructure development to mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events in Dubai.
