Dubai Airports and local UAE airlines warned travelers on Wednesday about the unstable weather in the region. Passengers at Dubai International Airport were advised about possible delays caused by rain and heavy traffic.
Dubai Airports advised travelers to carefully plan their journeys due to the potential for unsettled weather.
This involved leaving early and allowing extra time for possible delays caused by traffic or bad weather. Passengers were also encouraged to use smart apps for traffic updates and alternative routes and to consider taking the Dubai Metro for easier access to the airport terminals.
A spokesperson for Dubai Airports stated, “With unsettled weather forecasted for tomorrow, we advise guests who are flying out of Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to plan ahead. To avoid potential delays due to road congestion, we recommend guests utilize smart apps for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes and consider using the Dubai Metro to get to DXB Terminals 1 and 3.”
Emirates Airlines echoed similar concerns, alerting passengers to the heavy thunderstorms expected on May 2 and the likelihood of road delays.
They advised travelers to allow for additional travel time and to use the Dubai Metro whenever feasible to minimize potential disruptions to their trips.
In response to the weather forecast, the UAE government issued warnings for medium to heavy rains, prompting employers to facilitate remote work arrangements where possible. Schools in Sharjah and Dubai have announced the adoption of distance learning to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Moreover, the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority recommended that both private and government sector employees work remotely, except for those essential to critical operations or recovery efforts.
Read More: UAE issues warning ahead of expected rainfall – Take precautions
Etihad Airways also cautioned passengers traveling to Zayed International Airport to prepare for adverse weather conditions from May 1 to May 3.
Travelers were advised to allocate extra time for their journeys and to check in early, particularly for those using the Etihad bus service between Zayed International Airport and Dubai.