Severe weather in Dubai caused significant disruption for travellers during the Christmas period. Heavy thunderstorms led to numerous flight delays and cancellations, affecting tens of thousands of passengers passing through the Gulf hub.
Emirates, the largest carrier at Dubai International Airport, confirmed that adverse weather conditions on 18 and 19 December impacted their operations. The airline grounded 26 flights on Friday, including services to the Maldives, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. Many passengers traveling from the UK experienced diversions to Dubai World Central Airport.
Some flights that originated from Gatwick, Manchester, and Newcastle airports were rerouted and held for hours on the ground at the second airport before continuing to Dubai International, just 28 miles away. One traveller, Dean Borrington from Sheffield, criticized Emirates on social media for poor communication and long delays, saying families missed their connecting flights during the peak holiday travel period.
Other disruptions included flights diverted to Muscat, Oman. A Turkish Airlines journey from Istanbul to Dubai returned to its origin after five hours circling in the air, delaying arrival by seven hours following a fuel stop. This incident highlights the complexity and knock-on effects of weather-related delays in the region’s airspace.
Many passengers also reported long waits at Dubai airport with no clear information regarding onward flights. Emirates apologized for the inconvenience and invited affected customers to contact them directly for assistance. Airlines operating from Dubai, including low-cost carrier FlyDubai and Virgin Atlantic, faced cancellations or delays, further adding to travel uncertainty.
Flights later on Friday ran around 90 minutes behind schedule, putting tight connections at risk. Passengers departing the UK have rights to rebooking on alternative flights and to receive meals and accommodation during extended disruptions. However, managing these provisions amid widespread delays remains a challenge for airlines.
This transport chaos during a critical holiday travel window underscores the vulnerability of global air travel infrastructure to sudden weather events. Travellers are advised to check flight statuses frequently and prepare for possible disruptions when passing through Dubai in the coming days.
Read more at: www.independent.co.uk
