Major airlines and Dubai International Airport (DXB) have issued urgent travel advisories for passengers scheduled to depart on December 18 and 19, as the United Arab Emirates braces for anticipated heavy rainfall and strong winds. The adverse weather conditions are expected to cause significant road delays and potential disruptions to flight schedules, impacting travel during a busy period.
Airlines Issue Proactive Guidelines for Passengers
In response to the forecast, several carriers have proactively communicated specific instructions to travellers. Flydubai has requested its passengers to arrive at Dubai International Airport a full four hours before their flight departure. This precautionary measure accounts for expected traffic congestion around DXB and possible operational disruptions at the airport itself.
Emirates airline has announced special arrangements for its premium customers. First and Business Class passengers with confirmed Chauffeur Drive bookings will be collected one hour earlier than their scheduled pick-up time. The airline has also urged all customers to ensure their contact information is updated via 'Manage Your Booking' to receive timely flight status alerts.
Separately, Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo, which operates nearly 275 flights per week to the UAE, has issued its own weather advisory. The airline stated that changing weather conditions could lead to heavy rain and thunderstorms, which may intermittently affect flight operations at various points throughout the day.
Passenger Advisory: Check Status, Use Metro, Plan Ahead
The collective advice from airlines and airport authorities is clear: passengers must plan for substantial delays. Travellers are strongly advised to check their flight status regularly with their airline, allow considerable extra time for their journey to the airport, and be highly attentive to notifications from their carriers.
To mitigate road traffic issues, commuters have been encouraged to use the Dubai Metro wherever possible. The poor weather is predicted to reduce road visibility and create challenging driving conditions, making the metro a more reliable alternative for reaching the airport.
IndiGo has informed passengers that depending on the nature of the flight disruption, they may explore alternative travel options or request refunds through the airline's self-service channels. All airlines have appealed for patience and forward planning from the travelling public during this period of unstable weather.
Private Sector Advised to Implement Remote Work
Beyond air travel, the weather system is expected to impact daily life across the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has urged private sector companies in the most affected areas to implement remote work arrangements on December 19 for roles that permit it. This advisory aims to safeguard employee health and safety amidst the forecasted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds sweeping across the country.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are monitoring conditions closely. Passengers booked on flights from Dubai between December 18 and 19 are reminded that their primary source for real-time information should be their respective airlines.
