As climate-related weather events become increasingly unpredictable, passengers are reminded that flexibility and proactive planning are key to navigating potential travel disruptions
Adverse weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates caused significant disruptions to flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Friday, leading to extensive delays for passengers traveling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Several flights were affected, with delays ranging from two hours to over seven hours.
Among the impacted services, an early morning SpiceJet flight to Dubai experienced a delay of nearly 7.5 hours. Meanwhile, two Emirates flights bound for Dubai were postponed by two and five hours, respectively. Flights to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also faced delays, airline officials confirmed.
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Airlines attributed these disruptions to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across parts of the UAE, which impacted airport operations and air traffic movement
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The adverse weather prompted airlines to issue advisories and guidance to passengers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring flight schedules closely
IndiGo, in particular, alerted travelers that unstable weather conditions were expected to persist throughout the day, potentially causing intermittent delays or cancellations. Passengers were advised to check their flight status regularly and allocate extra time to reach the airport, as weather-related traffic delays were also anticipated. The airline assured that affected customers would receive proactive notifications and could choose alternative travel arrangements or request refunds if necessary.
Similarly, SpiceJet cautioned travelers that departures and arrivals connected to Dubai could experience further delays. The airline urged passengers to stay informed through real-time flight updates before heading to the airport to minimize inconvenience.
The incident highlights the challenges that airlines and passengers face during extreme weather conditions. With the UAE experiencing unusual rainfall and storm activity, both airlines and airports are taking necessary measures to ensure passenger safety while minimizing operational disruptions. Travelers planning trips to or via the UAE are encouraged to stay vigilant, allow for additional travel time, and follow official updates from airlines regarding their flight schedules.
