Flight operations from India to Dubai have faced significant disruptions since Tuesday (April 16) as the United Arab Emirates experienced its heaviest downpour since 1949. Dubai Airport, one of the world’s busiest, has witnessed several cancellations from all major Indian flight operators since then.
India’s largest flight operator in terms of passenger volume, IndiGo, cancelled several of its flights to the desert kingdom. Similarly, Tata group-owned Air India, which operates 72 weekly flights from various cities to Dubai, cancelled its services. Air India Express, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have also joined their peers to ensure passenger safety.
“Flights to/fro #Dubai stand canceled until 12 PM on Apr 18, due to Airport restrictions and operational challenges caused by bad weather and road blockages,” IndiGo posted on X earlier Thursday.
However, in a significant relief to passengers, the Dubai airport informed about the resumption of operation in Terminal 1.
“We have now resumed arriving flights of airlines operating out of Terminal 1. Flights continue to be delayed and disrupted, so we urge you to only come to Terminal 1 if you have a confirmed booking. Please contact your airline for the latest information on your flight status,” it posed on X earlier Thursday.
Earlier, an official said 10 flights from the Delhi airport to Dubai were cancelled on Wednesday, PTI reported. Also, nine flights that were to arrive from Dubai to the national capital were cancelled. Details about cancelled flights could not be immediately ascertained.
“Inclement weather has impacted air travel to the UAE, causing delays and diversions. Three to four of our flights on the 16th and 17th were among those delayed. We regret the inconvenience and have offered the option of a full refund or free rescheduling to all impacted guests,” an Air India Express spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Airports Council International (ACI), the Dubai airport was ranked as the world’s second busiest airport in 2023, handling more than 8.69 crore passengers.
The government schools across the UAE will remain closed till April 19 as a precautionary measure in view of the bad weather.
Since 2002, the UAE government has conducted cloud seeding operations to tackle water security concerns. However, inadequate drainage in numerous cities has led to flooding in some cities, including Dubai.
-With inputs from PTI
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 18-04-2024 at 12:48 IST
