DUBAI // Several flights in and out of the UAE were delayed, diverted or cancelled on Saturday due to the ongoing poor weather conditions.
Dubai Airports said 15 flights had to be diverted to neighbouring airports, while Emirates Airline reported that a numerous flights were affected.
According to flightradar24.com, the average delay at Dubai International Airport on Saturday was 40 minutes and 61 per cent of flights were delayed. Fourteen per cent of flights were cancelled.
Dubai Airports said it is working with airlines to minimise disruption but unstable weather conditions are set to continue into Monday.
Heavy rain also led to the postponement of the Color Run in Abu Dhabi, a paint race that was due to take place on Saturday morning.
An Emirates spokesman advised travellers to go online to
[ www.emirates.com ]
to check their flight status before flying. “Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised,” she said.
An Etihad Airways spokesman said: “Abu Dhabi is again experiencing unstable weather patterns with intermittent thunderstorms that have caused eight flights to divert to airports within the UAE and GCC. The airline is working to ensure that they return to Abu Dhabi as soon as possible.
“The airline will be monitoring the weather situation in the UAE throughout the day. Any impacted guests will be informed of itinerary changes and assisted with onward travel.
“Guests can contact the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 (0) 2599 0000 (UAE), or visit the Etihad Airways website at
[ www.etihad.com ]
for further updates. Etihad Airways apologises for any inconvenience caused but the safety and security of our passengers and staff is of the utmost importance.”
Weather forecasters are urging people to be cautious when outside while the bad weather continues.
“The unstable weather is forecast to continue until Monday, with clouds and more rain expected to fall across the country,” said meteorologist Ahmed Habib.
“The unstable conditions are caused by low pressure in the upper air. Overcast skies will keep temperatures low but humidity is expected to continue to be high across the country.
“Strong winds are expected, especially over the coastal areas. Winds over the seas will cause rough weather in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.”
Temperatures will hit highs of 26°C?and overnight lows of 16°C.
The lowest temperature in the country on Saturday was recorded at Jebel Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah, at 10.7°C at 2.30am.
nalramahi@thenational.ae
