The UK Government has warned Brits travelling the UAE and Dubai to expect "severe disruptions" following heavy rain and flooding.
Thousands of UK travellers have experienced difficulties getting home from Dubai International Airport this week after it was flooded by an intense storm.
Emirates and British Airways have both been forced to cancel a number of flights between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airport and the UK this week due to the extreme weather.
Emirates announced it had suspended check-in for passengers departing from Dubai from 8am on Wednesday (April 17) for the rest of the day “due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions”.
Flights also continue to be hit by delays due to the effects of the heavy rain.
The disruptions come after the UAE saw its highest rainfall since 1949 on Monday night and into Tuesday (April 15 and 16).
More than 142mm (5.6 inches) of rain soaked Dubai over 24 hours.
The average annual amount at Dubai Airport is 94.7mm (3.7 inches).
UK Government issues travel warning to Brits travelling to UAE
The UK Government has issued a warning to those Brits planning on travelling to the UAE amid the adverse weather conditions and flooding.
As part of its foreign travel advice for the UAE, the government said: "Airports in the UAE, including Dubai, are facing severe disruption following extreme weather.
"Check with your airline before travelling."
The warning was still current at the time of publication.
Contact FCDO if you are in the UAE and need of emergency support.
Flight disruptions continue at Dubai International Airport
Dubai Airport (DXB) said inbound flights from international airlines have now resumed operating out of Terminal 1.
However, flight disruptions continue to plague the airport - which is the world’s second busiest.
The airport website reads: "Dubai International (DXB) has resumed in-bound flights of international airlines operating out of Terminal 1 DXB.
"Flights continue to be delayed and disrupted following the recent unprecedented weather in the UAE.
Passengers due to depart from T1 DXB should only come to Terminal 1 if they have a confirmed flight booking. Please contact your airline for the latest information on your flight status.
Emirates customers now able to check in but delays continue
Emirates has updated customers travelling out of Dubai this morning (Thursday, April 18) informing them they are now able to check in for their flight, but warned flight delays are continuing due to the conditions.
Customers departing Dubai can now check in for their flights. Please make your way to the airport only if you have a confirmed flight booking, as the airport remains congested.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) April 18, 2024
🎫 Customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their booking agent, DM us, or visit… pic.twitter.com/HIMzZho1m8
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Emirates said: "Customers departing Dubai can now check-in for their flights.
"Please make your way to the airport only if you have a confirmed flight booking, as the airport remains congested.
"Customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their booking agent, DM us, or visit http://emirat.es/support for rebooking.
"There may still be delays to arriving and departing flights. Please check the latest flight schedules on http://emirat.es/flightstatus.
"Emirates extends our sincerest apologies to impacted customers who have experienced delays and disruption to their travel plans caused by bad weather and road conditions.
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"We appreciate how difficult it is for everyone affected. While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights.
"Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations, as well as secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport.
"Our primary concern will always be the safety of our customers and crew, and this will never be compromised."
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