Dubai International Airport diverted more flights overnight Tuesday into Wednesday – effectively blocking inbound flights to counteract severe storm damage in the area.
The emirate was hit with around 5 inches of rain on Tuesday – roughly equivalent to a year’s average for the region in just one day – amid its worst storms for 75 years.
The airport had closed temporarily on Tuesday afternoon, but reopened shortly afterwards. However, initially, more than 40 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled with a small number being diverted to other airports in the region.
Since then, Dubai International has remained open to departing flights, but has effectively shut its doors, temporarily to inbound flights, which are being diverted.
Meanwhile, Dubai International has been named the world’s busiest airport for the 10th year in a row, by Airports Council International (ACI).
Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO, said: “While this milestone was greatly anticipated, its official confirmation instils us with great pride. DXB is proud to uphold its status as the world’s foremost international airport for an unparalleled ten years.
“Throughout this decade, DXB has surpassed many records and attained numerous milestones, from welcoming our billionth passenger to introducing new terminals and facilities, collaborating with numerous airlines to broaden connectivity to diverse global destinations, all the while enhancing every aspect of the airport experience for our guests.
“Our unwavering commitment to operational excellence has set new benchmarks, cementing DXB’s position as a leading entity in global aviation. This remarkable achievement underscores Dubai’s collaborative ethos. Our success owes much to the collective efforts of all service partners within the airport community and the broader aviation, travel, and tourism sectors. Together, we have bolstered Dubai’s reputation as the premier destination, offering unparalleled travel experiences worldwide.’’
“As we look ahead, our focus remains clear. We are determined to maintain DXB’s dominant position for the next decade and beyond. Through sustained collaboration and innovation, we are poised to shape the future of global aviation, ensuring DXB remains synonymous with excellence across every facet of the passenger journey.”
