Dubai Airports has effectively restored operating activities at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to their regular state following careful measures taken to address the consequences of the substantial precipitation experienced in the United Arab Emirates, which is regarded as the most substantial in the past 75 years.
According to Paul Griffiths, the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, Dubai Airports has successfully restored the flight schedule at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to its original trajectory more expeditiously than the previously stated timetable. This achievement is attributed to the airport's existing operational capacity of accommodating 1,400 flights per day.
According to his statement, the absence of water accumulations on the roadways leading to the airport and its vicinity has resulted in the restoration of regular operations and full capacity for all our facilities, workforce, and logistics services. The torrential rainfall has presented significant difficulties, leading to the cancellation of 2,155 flights and the diversion of an additional 115 flights. However, due to our unwavering dedication and strong collaboration with our partners, we successfully rescheduled flights, bolstered the workforce, and offered aid to all travelers impacted by flight cancellations or delays, with the aim of guaranteeing the well-being and security of travelers.
Griffiths commended the collective camaraderie that permeated the Dubai Airport community, encompassing the committed personnel of Dubai Airports, airline collaborators, governmental entities, and service providers. He stated that there have been extraordinary weather circumstances, and our personnel and partners have shown great effort to maintain operations and provide assistance to guests. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals who made valuable contributions towards the prompt and effective restoration of normalcy.
Notably, 31 aircraft were redirected to Dubai World Central (DWC) in order to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of passenger flights. By April 19, all passengers at the airport were effectively assisted to proceed with their travels.
Griffiths stated that the well-being of guests remained our utmost concern throughout the entire duration. Dubai Airports successfully distributed over 75,000 snack packs to affected passengers at Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports, despite encountering initial difficulties in transferring supplies owing to road closures in the vicinity of these airports.
Griffiths observed that there were certain unresolved obstacles, one of which pertains to the resolution of the baggage backlog. He stressed the importance of collaborating closely with service partners to tackle these difficulties, while acknowledging the necessity for increased endeavors. He expressed gratitude to the guests for their patience throughout this duration.
Griffiths stated that they are fully cognizant of the continuous consequences of intense precipitation on the impacted communities and businesses in the UAE. This has caused us profound sorrow. Furthermore, we express our unwavering endorsement of our colleagues who have been significantly impacted by the adverse weather conditions, and we are committed to providing them with any available assistance.
Guests are recommended to arrive at the terminal three hours before to their flight departure time in order to prevent overcrowding and ensure efficient operations, following the restoration of normal operations.
