Dubai's budget carrier, flydubai, has begun a cautious reintroduction of flights following a temporary suspension caused by severe weather conditions that lashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday.
The airline initiated a limited restart of outbound journeys from Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 at 10:00 AM local time. A statement from flydubai indicated a gradual restoration of scheduled services, with a full resumption anticipated after 8:00 PM. Flights departing from Terminal 3 were slated to resume by midnight.
The disruption stemmed from heavy rainfall that resulted in challenging operational conditions and compromised road access. While acknowledging the cancellations, flydubai expressed its commitment to minimizing passenger inconvenience and expediting a return to normal operations. The airline emphasized its dedication to ensuring the safe passage of travelers to their final destinations.
Passengers with flydubai bookings were urged to verify their flight status directly with the airline before proceeding to the airport. This advisory was implemented to minimize wasted trips due to potential cancellations.
The weather-related shutdown impacted not only flydubai, but Dubai International Airport itself. Emirates, another major Dubai-based carrier, halted check-in procedures for all scheduled departures on Wednesday, citing safety concerns and operational disruptions. Passengers flying with Emirates were encouraged to contact the airline to explore rebooking options.
The temporary suspension of flights caused by the adverse weather highlights the vulnerability of the aviation industry to external factors. While airlines implement measures to ensure operational continuity, exceptional circumstances can necessitate disruptions for safety reasons.
The swift response by flydubai to partially resume flights reflects the airline's prioritization of customer service and its commitment to efficient operations. The airline's efforts to re-establish normalcy are likely to be welcomed by passengers whose travel plans were initially delayed.