Bad weather returns to U.A.E., several flights cancelled

Dubai hit by heavy rains and thunderstorms, leading to flight cancellations and warnings for public safety

Heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the U.A.E. on May 2, leading to the cancellation of several international flights, two weeks after Dubai was hit by unprecedented storms that paralysed the emirate for days.

On May 1, the country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) elevated the readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation.

While these rains are expected to be less severe than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country last month, the public is urged to take precautions.

On April 14-15, extreme rainfall battered regions of the Arabian Peninsula, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rains on record since 1949.

Dubai-based Emirates airline announced the cancellation of several flights on May 2 due to bad weather across the U.A.E. as movements at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were reduced.

“Customers arriving or departing from Dubai airport on 2 May can expect some delays as flights are rescheduled,” Emirates said in a statement.

The following flights have been cancelled on May 2: EK 123/124 — between Dubai and Istanbul, EK 763/764 — between Dubai and Johannesburg, EK 719/720 — between Dubai and Nairobi, Ek 921/922 — between Dubai and Cairo, EK 903/904 — between Dubai and Amman, and EK 352/353 – between Dubai and Singapore (EK353 departing 3 May, 12.30 am — UAE time). The airline has also waived rebooking charges to help stranded passengers.