Weather Chaos Disrupts 187 Flights, Major Gulf Airlines Struggle
Major airlines such as Emirates, Air France, Etihad, and FlyDubai faced significant disruption due to heavy rainfall in the Gulf region. This weather chaos led to widespread travel disruption across Dubai, Bahrain, and King Khalid airports.
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest hub for international traffic, recorded an alarming number of 146 delays and 3 cancellations in a single day. The airlines most affected were Emirates and FlyDubai:
- Emirates suffered 37 delays, which represented 7% of its schedule.
- FlyDubai experienced 38 delays and 1 cancellation, affecting 10% of its operations.
The severe weather conditions left thousands of passengers stranded. Aviation analysts warn that the knock-on effects could last anywhere between 24 to 48 hours. Airlines are now working overtime to clear the backlog of 187 delayed flights across the three major Middle Eastern hubs.
Travel Tip: Experts recommend allowing for long layovers during seasonal weather changes and keeping essential items in hand luggage during potential overnight waits.