Dubai Rain Causes Travel Chaos: 28 India Flights Cancelled Due to Heavy Rain and Storm

The impact of the storm extended beyond Dubai. Dubai, the Middle East’s financial centre, has been paralysed by heavy rain and storm that has caused widespread flooding around the desert country. The record rainfall has resulted in delayed or diverted flights, while cars have been left stranded on flooded roads. Passengers have been warned not to come to Dubai airport, the world’s busiest by international traffic, “unless absolutely necessary”.

Flights continue to be delayed and diverted, with over 500 flights – both inbound and outbound – being affected. The weather department predicts more rain and storms today, leading to cancelled flights bound for Dubai as well as flights to India. Dubai’s flagship Emirates Airline has halted all check-ins for passengers for the day due to the travel chaos caused by the bad weather. The airline assured affected customers that they are working hard to restore scheduled operations and providing all possible support.

In addition to the aviation disruptions, Metro trains are currently operating on specific routes in Dubai as maintenance work is underway at stations on Red and Green lines. The impact of the storm extended beyond Dubai, with the entire UAE and neighbouring Bahrain experiencing similar scenes of flooding and chaos. Schools have been closed, and further storms, including hail, are forecasted for today, prompting authorities to extend remote working arrangements for government employees. The storms and rain also hit Oman before affecting the UAE and Bahrain.

The highest rainfall since records began in 1949 occurred in Oman, resulting in 18 casualties, including several children. The country’s weather office has urged residents to take precautions and stay away from areas of flooding and water accumulation. Both Oman and the UAE have previously warned about the likelihood of more flooding due to global warming.