Dubai International Airport (DXB) is diverting all incoming flights arriving on Tuesday, April 16 until unstable weather conditions approve, it announced.
Heavy rains and unstable weather have hit the UAE and flights to and from Dubai were cancelled throughout the day.
Departures for most flights from the airport were scheduled to go ahead, although with possible delays.
Dubai diverts all incoming flights
In a weather updated on social media, DXB said: “We are temporarily diverting arriving flights this evening until the weather conditions improve. Departures will continue to operate.
“Together with our partners, we’re working to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to you”.
A statement from the airport operator said: “Dubai Airports can confirm that due to the continued exceptional weather event currently being experienced in the UAE, Dubai International (DXB) is temporarily diverting inbound flights due to arrive this evening on Tuesday, 16 April until the inclement situation improves. Departures will continue to operate.
“The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers.
“We urge guests to check directly with the airline to obtain the latest information on the status of their flight, allow significant extra travel time to the airport and use the Metro where possible.”
21 departures and 24 expected arrivals were cancelled as the day progressed and more disruption is expected.
flydubai said there had been an impact to its schedule and flights have been cancelled.
The low-cost carrier said: “The adverse weather conditions in the UAE on April 16 have impacted our flight schedule at Dubai International (DXB).
“We have cancelled some flights as a result and are currently experiencing some delays. We are working hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers’ travel schedules and are coordinating with all parties at the airport.
“We will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely and we advise our passengers to allow extra time for their journey to the airport and to check the status of their flight online”
Emirates also advised passengers to monitor their flight status and allow for more time to make journeys to and from the airport.
It said: “Due to adverse weather conditions forecast in Dubai on 16 and 17 April, customers headed to @DXB may experience road delays.
“Plan for extra travel time to reach the airport, and complete check-in formalities before arrival for added convenience.”
The National Centre of Meteorology shared the alert, advising people in the country to be “extremely vigilant”.
As well as the red alert notice, issued for Tuesday April 16 and Wednesday April 17, there are also yellow and orange alerts for large parts of the country.
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