‘Exceptional weather’ hits Gulf, flight operations hit in Dubai

NEW DELHI: FlyDubai has announced a temporary suspension of all its flights departing from Dubai in response to severe weather conditions. The UAE state news agency WAM reported the disruption as a precautionary measure.
“All flydubai flights scheduled for departure from Dubai this evening (16 April) have been canceled effective immediately until 10:00 (Dubai local time) on 17 April.During this period, passengers who do not have Dubai as their final destination will not be accepted for travel,” a FlyDubai spokesperson said.

Additionally, Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest in the world, experienced significant disruptions. The airport began diverting arriving flights on Tuesday evening until the weather conditions improved, though it maintained operational departures amidst numerous delays and cancellations. The airport’s website listed multiple affected flights, with destinations across India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

The heavy rains that caused the suspensions and diversions are part of broader adverse weather conditions affecting the Gulf Peninsula. In Oman, heavy rainfall has led to tragic consequences with at least 18 fatalities reported in recent days. Dubai itself faced unprecedented flooding, impacting transportation, retail locations like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and even the metro system where water pooled ankle-deep in some stations.

The storm also led to road collapses, residential flooding, and extensive property damage. In response, the UAE’s government has taken several measures, including shutting schools and extending remote working directives.
This extreme weather event, coming just a year after the UAE hosted the COP28 UN climate talks, has reignited discussions on climate change’s impact on regional weather patterns. Friederike Otto from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London remarked, “It is highly likely that the deadly and destructive rain in Oman and Dubai was made heavier by human-caused climate change.”
The weather has also disrupted major events, including the postponement of the Asian Champions League football semi-final in Al Ain. With further storms expected, authorities continue to urge caution and preparedness among residents.
(With inputs from agencies)