Dubai airlines resume full operations after flooding chaos

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DUBAI, UAE, April 21: Dubai’s major airlines have announced the resumption of a full flight schedule following the havoc wreaked by torrential rain in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries, which led to chaos at Dubai airport.

Both Emirates and flydubai confirmed on Saturday that operations were back to normal, although a backlog of passengers still awaited travel. The deluge had brought travel through the airport to a standstill earlier in the week.

Speaking on behalf of Emirates, the airline’s president, Sir Tim Clark, acknowledged that their response to the crisis was not flawless. The storm, which struck on Tuesday, caused flash floods and rendered the taxiway impassable, grounding planes and leaving passengers stranded in the terminal building.

“Passengers previously stranded in the airport transit area have been rebooked and are en route to their destinations,” stated Sir Tim in an open letter posted on the airlines’ website.

Efforts are underway to clear the backlog of rebooked passengers, with a task force established to manage the retrieval and delivery of approximately 30,000 pieces of luggage left behind. However, Sir Tim emphasized the need for patience and understanding from customers, acknowledging the challenges faced, including a lack of information and confusion within the terminals.

The disruptions had left thousands stranded, as described by Sarah Jane Cahill from Dublin, who found herself stuck at the airport for several days. She recounted scenes of chaos and overcrowding, with passengers resorting to makeshift sleeping arrangements.

Despite the challenges, both Emirates and flydubai have returned to their regular flight schedules, with priority given to affected passengers. Measures have been implemented to ensure the focus remains on assisting those impacted by the disruption.

With operations gradually returning to normal, Paul Griffiths, the head of Dubai airports, noted improvements in departure flow. Dubai International Airport, the world’s second busiest, anticipates a significant increase in passenger traffic this year, serving as a vital hub for travelers between Europe and Asia.

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