Storm and Flooding in Dubai Causes Major Delays and Cancellations in the Past Two Days

Dubai has been in total chaos due to heavy rainfall since this Tuesday. The city of Dubai is usually known for its sunny weather. However, a deadly storm caused heavy rainfall in the Gulf states has particularly affected Dubai and Oman. With this rainfall, Dubai International Airport reported major disruptions on the 16th and 17th of April. This does not come as a surprise as Dubai is one of the main connectivity hubs for some major airlines.

Flight Aware data reported that around 300 flights to and from Dubai International Airport were cancelled. With the non-stop rainfall in Dubai since this Tuesday, the storm caused major disruption in parts of the city. In addition to the cancellations, several flights also faced major delays. Videos across social media showcase the severity of the storm at the airport as flights landed in an extremely flooded airport.

Due to the impact of adverse weather in Dubai, we have had to cancel our flights to and from Dubai on April 16 and 17. We are doing our best to get affected passangers on their way as soon as possible by re-accomodating them on flights in the next few days. We are also offering a one-time date change waiver to passangers with valid tickets on 16 and 17 April, allowing them to reschedule their flights to further dates within the validity of the tickets, says an Air India spokesperson according to Times of India.

Although the Dubai International Airport faced major cancellations and delays, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah did not face the brute of the storm, allowing passengers to travel through the airports with minor delays. According to Flight Radar, 23% of cancelled flights were from FlyDubai, 10% from Emirates and 67% from other airlines. Additionally, the reports also reveal that departure cancellations were more than the arrivals at the airport due to the storm.

Travelers have plenty to look forward to in 2024 and beyond as airlines roll out new routes connecting exciting destinations worldwide. With more direct flights and expanded options, getting to your next adventure has never been easier. Let’s explore some of the most anticipated airline routes that are sure to open up new travel possibilities.

Expanding Routes Across Asia

Azerbaijan Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines launched direct flights between Baku and the Maldives on 24 November 2024. Us a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this new route offers a convenient link between Azerbaijan and the Maldives.

Air Arabia: Starting 27 October 2024, Air Arabia began flying daily between Sharjah and the Maldives. Further improving access to this island destination.

Air France: From 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, Air France will run up to two weekly flights between Paris and Malé, Maldives, using the Airbus A350-900 for the holiday season.

IndiGo: Starting 21 December 2024, IndiGo will offer daily nonstop flights between Chennai and Penang, Malaysia.

Korean Air: On 24 November 2024, Korean Air introduced a fourth daily flight between Seoul and Manila. Making travel between South Korea and the Philippines more frequent.

Vietjet & Emirates: Vietjet and Emirates have expanded their code-sharing, offering easier connections between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Dubai.

Greater Bay Airlines: In November 2024, Greater Bay Airlines launched a new three-times-a-week service between Hong Kong and Tokushima, Japan.

Air Macau: Air Macau introduced new flights between Macau and Taichung, Taiwan, and increased service to Bangkok and Guiyang.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, and Taipei. These routes will enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Asia.

Saudia: In response to growing demand, Saudia will offer six weekly flights between Jeddah and Phuket, starting December 2024.

AirAsia X: AirAsia X launched its first direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi on 15 November 2024. Marking the first connection between the capitals of Malaysia and Kenya.

New Routes Around the Globe

Airlines are expanding their global networks beyond Asia. With new routes that enhance connectivity across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Algiers, Atlanta, Tunis, Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein, as part of its ongoing expansion program.

Flynas: As of 4 September 2024, Flynas introduced direct flights from Jeddah to Berlin. Connecting Saudi Arabia to the German capital with three weekly services.

Royal Jordanian Airlines: In March 2025, Royal Jordanian Airlines will begin direct flights from Amman to Washington D.C. Marking its fourth direct U.S. service after New York, Chicago, and Detroit.

Turkish Airlines: Starting 28 November 2024, Turkish Airlines will launch four weekly flights from Istanbul to Sydney, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. This move strengthens its presence in Australia and sets the stage for future nonstop service.

United Airlines: United Airlines made history in October 2024 with its Newark-Marrakech route. Linking the Moroccan city to the U.S. for the first time.

Wizz Air: Wizz Air will introduce a new daily route between London and Jeddah starting 31 March 2025. Offering an ultra-low-cost option for travelers between these cities.

American Airlines & Delta Air Lines: Both American and Delta Air Lines added new Caribbean routes in November 2024. American now flies from New York JFK to Barbados. While Delta launched service from Atlanta to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways introduced a new flight to the Caribbean. Flying to Bonaire from New York JFK, starting 5 November 2024.

The Journey Continues

The expanding airline routes in 2024 and beyond, highlight the increasing demand for international travel, offering more convenience and choice. Whether you are planning a trip to the Maldives, connecting through key Asian hubs, or flying to destinations in Europe and Australia. These new routes offer more opportunities to explore the world.

Which new airline routes are you most excited to try in 2024? With so many options, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.

Storm and Flooding in Dubai Causes Major Delays and Cancellations in the Past Two Days

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