Heavy Rain Disrupts Flights at Dubai and Sharjah Airports

Flights from Dubai and Sharjah were cancelled or delayed on Friday as the UAE weather remained unstable for the second consecutive day. Heavy rain, thunder, and lightning affected air travel and daily life across several emirates, causing disruption at major airports and on key roads.

Emirates airline confirmed that 13 scheduled flights departing from Dubai International Airport were suspended due to dangerous weather conditions. The airline said that adverse weather across the UAE and nearby regions on December 18 and 19 had impacted operations, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and schedule changes. Several other early-morning flights operated by local and international airlines were also grounded or faced long delays.

Passengers experienced uncertainty at airports as airlines worked to manage the situation. Darren Taft, a passenger waiting at Phuket Airport for an Air Arabia flight to Sharjah, said his flight was delayed with no confirmed departure time. He explained that earlier flights had not yet arrived and weather conditions back in Dubai remained very poor, adding to passenger concerns.

The severe weather first hit Dubai on Thursday afternoon, followed by heavy rainfall in Abu Dhabi later that night. Continuous downpours led to waterlogging on roads, isolated flooding in residential areas, and traffic congestion across the country. Authorities advised motorists to drive carefully and expect delays during peak hours.

In response to safety concerns, Dubai Police urged residents to avoid beaches, valleys, and flood-prone areas. Several public places, including parks, beaches, and popular attractions such as Global Village, were temporarily closed. 

Authorities launched emergency response measures, with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority deploying more than 300 pumps to drain floodwater and ease traffic. The National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert for Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and parts of Abu Dhabi, warning of hazardous weather conditions.

To ensure public safety, private companies in the most affected areas were advised to allow employees to work remotely, while all Dubai government staff were instructed to work from home. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve later on Friday, with drier conditions forecast for Saturday.