Dubai Airport's 63-Year History Sees Most Disruptive Rain Event

Post by : Elena Malik

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths reflects on the recent unprecedented weather event that caused significant disruption at Dubai International (DXB) airport, marking it as the "most disruptive weather event" in the airport's 63-year history. With a staggering 2,155 flights cancelled, Griffiths highlights the exceptional scale of disruption faced by DXB during the recent record-breaking rainstorm, which saw a year's worth of rain falling in Dubai within just 24 hours on April 16.

Griffiths emphasizes the proactive approach taken by DXB in responding to the impending storm, activating emergency response protocols well in advance and ensuring the deployment of all necessary resources. Despite the challenging circumstances, the safety of guests and employees remained the top priority throughout the ordeal.

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The CEO recalls the initial concerns as the severity of the storm became evident, with Griffiths expressing relief that the airport community was able to mobilize effectively in the face of adversity. Despite the magnitude of the disruption, Griffiths contrasts the event with the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that while flights were grounded during the pandemic, the airport remained operational amidst the storm.

In terms of response efforts, Griffiths highlights the suspension of operations at DXB for 25 minutes followed by the temporary diversion and limitation of inbound flights to ensure safety. Coordination with airline partners was crucial in reworking flight schedules and expediting the departure of stranded passengers while mitigating congestion in the terminals.

Griffiths also addresses logistical challenges such as the distribution of over 75,000 food packets to passengers, acknowledging initial difficulties due to road closures surrounding the airports. Additionally, he assures that DXB worked closely with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA) to assist guests facing visa issues resulting from cancelled flights.

Despite the disruption, Griffiths remains optimistic about DXB's resilience, highlighting its status as the world's top airport for international passenger numbers for the 10th consecutive year in 2023. With traffic levels surpassing pre-pandemic figures, DXB continues to play a pivotal role in global connectivity, with forecasts suggesting further growth in the coming years.

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