Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates was thrown into disarray after severe thunderstorms caused over a year and a half’s worth of rain to lash Dubai.
The world’s busiest international airport was soaked by more than 5.59 inches of rain in a single day by the end of Tuesday (April 16). Annual rainfall at the airport averages 3.73 inches.
AP News reported that the state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949”.
The airport stopped accepting new arrivals on Tuesday evening after passengers struggled to get to terminals due to floods. There was standing water on taxiways as flights touched down.
So is it safe to travel to Dubai at the moment?
Here’s what you need to know.
Is it safe to travel to Dubai?
Dubai International Airport said on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday (April 17) morning that flights “continue to be delayed and diverted”.
It added: “We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary.
⚠️We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary.
— DXB (@DXB) April 17, 2024
Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline.
We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.
“Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.”
The Dubai-based airline Emirates said it had suspended check-in for departing passengers until midnight tonight.
It said this was “due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions” — and added: “Affected customers can contact their booking agent or visit https://emirat.es/support for rebooking.
“Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights. Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals, and are advised to check the latest flight schedules on https://emirat.es/flightstatus.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Emirates is working hard to restore our scheduled operations, and our teams will provide all possible support to affected customers. Please DM us if you require any assistance.”
Given this, passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.
Meanwhile, the Times reported that the UK Foreign Office had not changed its advice on travelling to the UAE to Iran’s attack on Israel.
The Foreign Office emphasised the importance of obtaining travel insurance and ensuring it provides sufficient cover, stating that it is more crucial than ever.
The Times added: “Previously, on March 25, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the UAE to reflect a change in the terror threat level in the Middle Eastern country. While it’s still considered safe to travel to, the terror threat level is now considered high, with travellers warned to ‘remain vigilant at all times’.”
