Dubai Processes Over 400,000 Travelers During Emergency Weather Conditions

Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs processed over 400,000 travelers at airports, land, and sea ports during recent emergency weather conditions from April 15-17, 2024, ensuring high-quality services, safety, and a positive experience for passengers under the direct supervision of Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri.

The Directorate provided flexibility, efficiency, and rapid response to ensure a positive experience for passengers despite the challenging circumstances. Dubai airports received over 195,000 passengers on April 15, over 133,000 on April 16, and over 74,000 on April 17. The total number of passengers through all ports on April 17 was 75,245, compared to 136,376 the previous day. "The Directorate, in collaboration with airport management and partners, worked to enhance passenger safety through the adoption of policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and quality of the travel experience despite the challenges posed by fluctuating weather conditions," stated a representative.

The United Arab Emirates experienced the heaviest rain ever recorded on Tuesday, causing historic flooding that wreaked havoc across the nation, including at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airfield for international travel. Thousands of travelers were stranded at the airport for days, with limited food and supplies, as flights were canceled and delayed. The airport's operator admitted facing very challenging conditions, with shocking images showing the runways submerged in floodwater.

Passengers reported chaotic scenes, with long queues, people passing out, and a lack of basic necessities like food and diapers. The flooding caused significant disruptions to the operations of Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, which operates over 3,600 flights per week from its hub at Terminal 3. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dubai's authorities worked to ensure the safety and well-being of the stranded travelers.

The airport was hit by more than a year's average rainfall in 24 hours, leading to flight delays, diversions, and cancellations. Emirates suspended check-in for departing passengers on April 17 due to operational challenges caused by the bad weather and road conditions. The airport urged passengers to stay away unless absolutely necessary and advised those with flights scheduled for April 17 not to go to the airport, as check-in remained suspended.

Why this matters: The extreme weather event and its impact on Dubai International Airport, a major global transportation hub, highlight the need for robust infrastructure and preparedness strategies to mitigate disruptions caused by increasingly frequent and severe weather events. The incident also underscores the importance of effective crisis management and communication to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers during emergencies.

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri expressed appreciation for the great efforts of the working team and emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination in achieving public service goals and raising passenger satisfaction levels. "The success in overcoming the weather conditions was attributed to the continuous development of customs efficiency and logistics services, as well as Dubai's experience and expertise in trade," he noted. Dubai's authorities remain optimistic about <a href="https://www.travelwires.com/public/dubai-international-airport

Key Takeaways

• Dubai's Residency Directorate processed over 400,000 travelers during recent emergency weather.
• Dubai airports received over 195,000 passengers on April 15, with fluctuating numbers later.
• The UAE experienced record rainfall, causing historic flooding and disrupting Dubai airport operations.
• Passengers reported chaotic scenes, with long queues, lack of supplies, and flight disruptions.
• The incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate weather disruptions.