After the heaviest rainfall the UAE experienced in 75 years, causing disruption in air and road traffic across several parts of the country, Dubai Airports has restored and normalised operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said DXB has returned to its normal flight schedule and is back to operating around 1,400 flight movements a day.
“With roads in and around the airport 100 percent clear of water accumulation, our manpower, logistics and facilities are operating as usual again. To have the airport back up and running is no small feat. 2,155 flights were cancelled and 115 were diverted. We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost manpower and look after all those who had been disrupted,” he said.
Read: Emirates resumes regular flight schedule
“I’m continuously amazed with the unwavering dedication of our Dubai Airports employees, airline partners, government agencies, commercial partners and service partners. It has been the most challenging adverse weather event we’ve had to navigate. Our people and partners worked tirelessly to keep the operation running and to assist our guests,” he added.
Diversion to DWC
As many as 31 flights were diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC). By April 19, all guests at the airport were successfully able to continue onwards with their travel plans.
Guest welfare remained a key priority throughout the disruption, and over 75,000 food packs were delivered across both Dubai airports.
“We’re deeply saddened by the ongoing impact of the heavy rainfall on affected communities and businesses across the UAE. We’re also supporting our own people who were badly affected by the weather,” said Griffiths.
Avoid unnecessary congestion
As normal operations resume, guests should arrive at their terminal only three hours ahead of their flight departure time. This will help avoid unnecessary congestion and facilitate smoother operations.
The UAE saw heavy downpour last week that left several key roads inaccessible and disrupted public transport services. As a result, several public sector departments, private sector companies and schools across the country switched to remote operations.
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