Monday, April 29

Airways Warn Flight Delays As Gulf Countries Brace For Heavy Thunderstorm

Edited by Fathimathu Shana
Airways Warn Flight Delays As Gulf Countries Brace For Heavy Thunderstorm

The Gulf countries are facing heavy rains and thunderstorm threatening flood risks. UAE witnessed heavy to moderate thunderstorm on Monday night and caused moderate-scale flooding in mountainous areas. Thunder and hailstorms hit Sharjah and Al Ain during late hours of Monday night. According to the country’s weather bureau, moderate to heavy rain is expected over Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. The National Centre of Meteorology issued yellow and orange alert in Abu Dhabi and Dubai warning “hazardous weather events”, which is expected to last until 6 pm Wednesday.

Since Sunday, at least 17, including a 54-year-old Keralite named Sunil Kumar, died during a flash flood caused by heavy rain in Oman, said the country’s National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) report. The Oman government suspended works in public and private sectors in five governorates, including Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi and Musandam. The downpours caused extensive damages in Muscat, South-North Sharqiya, Dakhiliya and Dhahirah governorates, said media report.

Public schools across UAE approved remote learning for students on April 16 and 17 due to the expected heavy downpour. The media office pf UAE government announced that, “due o the current weather conditions, the Emirates Schools Establishment decided to adopt the remote education system for all government schools in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, corresponding to April 16 and 17, 2024, in order to preserve the safety of students and teaching staff”.

Several government departments in Qatar decided to take precautionary methods bracing for the expected heavy rains and wind. Ministries of the Qatari government released social media posts urging citizens and residents to follow and stay safe. Ministry of Interior asked seagoers to call off all the land and sea activities on Tuesday due to the expected heavy rains.

Flight Delays

The online itinerary of Dubai International Airport showed delays in number of flights, while some are cancelled. In a statement, the airport said that the operations in the airport might be affected on April 16 and 17 due to the forecasted heavy thunderstorm in the country.

Emirates Airline asked travellers to plan ahead as there could be delays on roads leading to the Dubai International Airport. It said, “Due to adverse weather conditions forecast in Dubai on 16 and 17 April, customers headed to Dubai International Airport may experience road delays”.

Etihad Airways said due to the adverse condition, flights might be delayed and asked to check etihad.com for latest information on flight departure. It also asked travelers to “allow plenty of time to travel to the airport” referring to the possible traffic block.