Dubai International Airport is operating at full capacity again after disruption caused by flooding from the heaviest rainfall recorded in the Emirates in 75 years.
Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, said the full flight schedule had been restored and the airport was back to 1,400 flight movements per day.
“With roads in and around the airport 100 per cent clear of water accumulation, our manpower, logistics and facilities are operating as usual again,” Mr Griffiths said.
At least 75,000 welfare packs were distributed to affected travellers last week, the chief executive said, after thousands of flights were cancelled or diverted in the chaos resulting from last Tuesday’s storm.
“To have the airport back up and running is no small feat; 2,155 flights were cancelled and 115 were diverted. We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost manpower and look after all those who had been disrupted.”
Travel disruption continued into this week in the UAE, with commuters battling traffic jams on their way to offices on Monday while pupils returned to classrooms.
While a lot of the floodwater has been cleared, it remains a problem in some areas – with Sharjah particularly affected.
A total of 31 flights were diverted from DXB to Dubai World Central (DWC) and, by Friday, April 19, all guests at DWC were successfully supported and continued onwards to complete their travel plans.
“It has been the most challenging adverse weather event we’ve had to navigate, and our people and partners worked tirelessly to keep the operation running and to assist our guests,” Mr Griffiths added.
“While certain challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog, we’re working closely with our service partners but know there’s still more work to be done and once again thank guests for their patience while we work through this.
“We’re deeply saddened by the ongoing impact of the heavy rainfall on affected communities and businesses across the UAE. We’re also supporting our own people who were badly affected by the weather and will continue to support wherever we can.”
He urged passengers to arrive at terminals only three hours before their flight departure times.
Heavy rain hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi – in pictures
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Workers cut down a tree that was uprooted by the storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A vehicle submerged on a waterlogged road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A fence is blown over during the storm in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Vehicles splash through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi motorway during the heavy rain in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National -
A vehicle drives through a flooded road on a wet day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Two men navigate Dubai's flooded roads on a raft made from gas cylinders. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Trying to keep flooding out of a business in Al Quoz, Dubai. According to some measurements, 158mm of rain fell in 24 hours. Antonie Robertson / The National -
One pedestrian is still smiling despite the flooding, in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Waves form in Dubai floodwaters. Nic Ridley/ The National -
Dark clouds over Aldar headquarters in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Evelyn Lau / The National -
Wrapped up for the elements in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
More storms are forecast for Dubai, with dark skies overhead. Nic Ridley/ The National -
A young boy goes for a walk on a rainy day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Heavy rain fell for several hours in Dubai on Tuesday morning, in what forecasters said was the first wave of stormy weather. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Lightning strikes in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Roy Cooper/ The National -
There were large puddles in Dubai after heavy rain overnight. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A cyclist travels amid clean-up efforts in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A motorist's car is stranded on a flooded Dubai road, following torrential rain. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Clean-up efforts are under way in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Dark clouds linger over Dubai with more adverse weather forecast. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Dark skies over Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Zoya Thomas/ The National -
Forecasters warned of 'hazardous weather events' until Wednesday evening. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Workers clear standing water in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Drivers faced a difficult commute after heavy rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Clean-up efforts began in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
