The aftermath of yesterday’s thunderstorms/cloudbursts across the UAE threw a significant spanner in the wings, not just for the city but also for the Dubai Airport. Visuals of a flooded airport were everywhere. This was perhaps the most shared video.

DXB lake (airport). I think they need some sea planes. pic.twitter.com/wzP7L4Q9aO

— Jamie Smith (@jamiebsmith) April 16, 2024

Per Dubai news media, Dubai Airport had its operations halted for 25 minutes in the afternoon of April 15, with 45 flights cancelled by 5:15 pm. Many more diversions happened last evening at Dubai Airport.

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.   

Follow @DXB for further updates.

— DXB (@DXB) April 16, 2024

This just meant people sat on their planes for a long time.

It’s been a long and eventful day today…hats off to the Dubai controllers for managing the airspace..we got lucky with a small break in the weather… 2 mins after our landing the airport shut operations …my crew set was exceptional… especially taking care of our passengers who… pic.twitter.com/dUp8QPT6sr

— Pratik Mehta (@tweetpratikm) April 16, 2024

Emirates to only process through checked-in passengers on April 17, 2024

Emirates and other airlines’ operations are in disarray at the moment. However, this is more so for Emirates because Dubai was affected the most amongst the seven emirates, and it also has one dominant carrier, Emirates. Given the magnitude of Emirates’ operations, their planes diverted to all sorts of places yesterday, including Abu Dhabi, Muscat and maybe even further out.

After the torrential rain on Tuesday, it’s still chaos at DXB. Only a few morning flights have departed, almost all European bound @emirates A380s are still in Dubai as check-in has been suspended.
Last night saw numerous diversions to DWC, Muscat, Abu Dhabi

— AirbusA380fanclub (@AA380fanclub) April 17, 2024

Given that the network is sort of broken today and the city still does not have working roads, the airline is working on getting passengers who are already in the system to their destinations today. This means that if you are originating from Dubai, you won’t be accepted on an Emirates flight between 8 AM and midnight today (April 17, 2024).

Emirates is suspending check-in for passengers departing @DXB from 8:00am on 17 April until midnight, due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions. Affected customers can contact their booking agent or visit https://t.co/H1klWYurOd for rebooking. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/88P1WJHB2n

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) April 17, 2024

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Emirates is working hard to restore our scheduled operations, and our teams will provide all possible support to affected customers. Please DM us if you require any assistance. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/5prsawwPu2

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) April 17, 2024

Bottomline

Due to the deluge at Dubai Airport yesterday, the airport and the airline were both unable to operate their flights as per the daily flight plan. Emirates is not accepting any passengers from Dubai today but will use the day to move around transit passengers and those originating from other parts of the network.

Were you stuck with the Dubai deluge? Do share your story in the comments. 

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