UAE Storms Cancel and Delay Flights Across Dubai
Flights across Dubai and Sharjah were cancelled or delayed after intense storms hit the UAE for a second day.
Heavy rain, thunder, and lightning caused major travel headaches across the UAE, grounding flights and slowing commuters as storms swept through Dubai, Sharjah, and nearby emirates.
Emirates confirmed that 13 flights departing from Dubai International Airport were cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, while many other flights faced delays or schedule changes.
Flights Cancelled and Delayed Across Dubai
Early morning departures from Dubai International Airport were among the hardest hit, with both local and international airlines affected.
Emirates said adverse weather on December 18 and 19 disrupted operations, forcing cancellations, delays, and retiming of several routes. Flydubai also warned that unstable weather led to select flights being cancelled, delayed, or diverted.
Passengers were advised to check airline websites before heading to the airport and allow extra travel time.
Passengers Left Waiting
Travelers across the region found themselves stuck or unsure of when they would fly.
One passenger waiting for an Air Arabia flight to Sharjah said delays kept changing, while rain continued to pour back home in Dubai. Others reported monitoring flight trackers closely as earlier flights hadn’t yet landed.
Roads Flooded, Transport Affected
The storms didn’t just disrupt flights. Flooded roads caused long delays across the city, prompting the RTA to suspend bus services between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman until further notice.
Taxi fares also surged as residents scrambled to reach the airport, with some reporting fares of up to Dh500 for trips that usually cost far less. Many urged others to use the Metro where possible.
Remote Work Encouraged
To keep people safe, authorities urged private sector companies in heavily affected areas to allow employees to work from home where possible. This followed Dubai’s decision to shift government staff to remote work for the day.
Public beaches, parks, and attractions like Global Village were temporarily closed as a precaution.
Weather Alert Still in Place
The National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert for several areas including Dubai, Sharjah’s Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, and parts of Abu Dhabi, warning of hazardous weather conditions.
While conditions are expected to improve gradually, authorities remain on standby. Dubai has deployed hundreds of pumps across flood-prone areas to clear water and ease traffic.
A drier, calmer Saturday is expected once the storm system moves out.