Indigo Airlines Issue Travel Advisory As Dubai Braces For Sizable Storms

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Love

IndiGo Airlines warns of travel disruptions as Dubai faces severe storms. Plan ahead and check flight statuses.

Airports and airlines in Dubai are advising travelers to plan ahead due to expected severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms across the UAE. Passengers should prepare for possible travel disruptions and traffic delays, and consider using the Dubai Metro for transportation.

As the UAE braces for a spell of unpredictable weather, peaking on May 2 and continuing through May 3, safety warnings have been issued in various sectors, the Khaleej Times reports. Intense rainfall began striking the nation just after midnight, with Dubai experiencing early morning downpours and lightning by 2:35 am, according to updates from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara have released travel advisories for flights arriving or departing from Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, citing the impending inclement weather, CNBCTV18 notes. IndiGo alerted via X, “Please check your flight status regularly due to the adverse weather affecting operations in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.” Vistara’s notice stated, “Expect traffic delays to Dubai Airport from May 2 to 5. We advise allowing extra time for travel to the airport. Thank you.” Meanwhile, SpiceJet has also recommended that travelers verify their flight status, highlighting potential interruptions from the stormy conditions in Dubai.

Additionally, Etihad Airways reported that its Mumbai to Abu Dhabi flight (EY197) was rerouted to Al-Ain due to poor weather in Abu Dhabi, with the flight that was due to arrive at 1:35 pm landing instead at approximately 7:30 pm. In response to the weather, Dubai’s Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has paused processing entry and exit requests for wooden dhows in Dubai.

In anticipation of the weather, Dubai Metro has extended its service hours from midnight to 5 am the following day, albeit with fewer stops. With heavy storms expected on May 2, Emirates airline advised, “Road delays are likely en route to Dubai International Airport. We suggest allocating additional travel time and using Dubai Metro where feasible,” as reported by local media on Wednesday. Authorities have also cautioned against sailing and advised staying clear of valleys, areas prone to flash flooding, and low-lying regions.