Dubai Airport Halts Arrivals Due to Torrential Rain
Localized Flooding Impacts World's Busiest Airport for International Travel
Heavy Rainfall and Waterlogged Taxiways Cause Disruptions
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024 07:09 AM PDT - Intense rainfall has caused localized flooding in Dubai and the surrounding United Arab Emirates, leading to the temporary suspension of arrivals at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international travel.
Over the past six hours, nearly 50 millimeters of rain fell in Dubai, an unusually high volume for this arid region. The airport was forced to halt arrivals as water flooded taxiways and made it dangerous for aircraft to land.
Passengers struggled to reach terminals through the floodwater that covered surrounding roads. Standing water also affected departures, with some flights delayed or canceled due to airport congestion.
The heavy rainfall is the result of a storm system moving across the Gulf region. By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters of rain had drenched Dubai, surpassing its average annual rainfall of 947 millimeters.
The storms have also caused flooding in homes and malls across the city. Roads have been submerged, causing traffic disruptions and even trapping some motorists.
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel until the storm passes and floodwaters recede.
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