Heavy rain, lightning and storm conditions across the United Arab Emirates have thrown air travel into disarray for a second consecutive day, with Dubai International Airport grappling with widespread cancellations and delays that stretched into Friday, December 19, 2025.

Emirates, the country’s flagship carrier, scrapped multiple outbound services on major international routes including Frankfurt, Incheon and Colombo as thunderclouds, gusting winds and waterlogged roads slowed operations at the world’s busiest international hub.

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Second Straight Day of Turbulence for Dubai’s Aviation Hub

The latest bout of severe weather began late on Thursday, December 18, when a powerful low pressure system triggered intense thunderstorms over Dubai and surrounding emirates. Lightning lit up the pre-dawn sky while heavy cloudbursts inundated highways and airport access roads, forcing aviation authorities and airlines to scale back operations and warn travelers of likely disruption.

By Friday morning, Dubai airports had logged dozens of flight delays and cancellations for the second day running. Passengers arriving at Dubai International reported long queues at airline service counters, snaking lines at security and immigration, and packed departure lounges as carriers struggled to re-time services and reposition aircraft and crew.

With many flights already heavily booked for the busy December travel period, re-accommodation options were limited and some travelers faced overnight stays.

Airport authorities urged passengers to arrive at least three to four hours ahead of departure and to check flight status before leaving home. They also cautioned that water accumulation and localized flooding on key arterial roads could lengthen journey times to the airport, compounding the pressure on already stretched timetables.

Emirates Axes 13 Flights, Major Long-Haul Routes Hit

Emirates confirmed that adverse weather across the UAE and the wider region on December 18 and 19 had led to cancellations, delays and retimed services across its network. On Friday, the airline cancelled 13 round-trip services from Dubai, a rare move for a carrier that typically maintains high operational resilience even during challenging conditions.

Among the affected routes were some of the airline’s key international connections: EK043/044 to and from Frankfurt, EK322/323 linking Dubai with Incheon in South Korea, and EK650/651 serving Colombo in Sri Lanka. Other cancelled flights included services to Tehran, Dammam, Basra, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain, Seychelles, Male and Peshawar, underscoring the breadth of the weather’s impact on regional and long-haul operations.

In statements carried by regional media, Emirates reiterated that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority, noting that thunderstorm activity, low clouds and reduced visibility had forced the airline to adjust schedules at short notice. Customers were advised to monitor the carrier’s flight status tools and ensure their contact details were updated so they could receive real-time notifications of changes.

The cancellations came on top of earlier disruptions on Thursday, when some Emirates flights were delayed or retimed as the storm system first swept across the Gulf. Airlines across the region, including low-cost operator flydubai and several international carriers, reported similar difficulties as the same weather band affected airspace and airports from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to neighboring Gulf states.

Knock-on Disruption for Global Connections and Transit Passengers

Dubai’s role as a global transit hub meant that the weather-related disruption quickly rippled far beyond the UAE’s borders. Passengers connecting through the city on multi-leg itineraries to Europe, Asia and Africa reported missed onward flights and last-minute rebookings as aircraft arrived late or not at all.

Long-haul travelers heading to destinations such as Lisbon, Newcastle, and other European gateways faced retimed departures, while travelers originating in Asia and Africa encountered delays feeding into Dubai, further complicating the intricate choreography of global flight schedules. For some, the delays meant missing tight connection windows, forcing airlines to re-accommodate them on later departures or reroute them via alternative hubs in the region.

Travel agents and airline call centers in key source markets such as India and Pakistan also reported a surge in inquiries as word spread of the storms over the UAE. Some passengers on routes from cities like Ahmedabad were told to expect late departures or schedule changes as aircraft bound for Dubai waited for a slot to land or depart amid intermittent thunderstorms and air traffic flow restrictions.

With December typically one of the busiest months of the year for Dubai, thanks to holiday travel, winter sun tourism and major events, the timing of the storm system has been particularly challenging. Airlines that were already operating close to full capacity have had little margin to absorb large groups of disrupted passengers, leading to crowded terminals and intense demand for hotel vouchers and alternative flights.

Authorities on High Alert as Storm Revives Memories of 2024 Flooding

The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology placed much of the country on high alert heading into the weekend, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong winds, especially in coastal and northern areas. Forecasts suggested that the unsettled conditions would persist through Friday, with rough seas, blowing dust and periods of significantly reduced visibility on the roads and at airports.

Local media reported that in Dubai and neighboring Sharjah, some streets and underpasses were temporarily flooded after intense downpours overnight Thursday into Friday. Images shared across regional outlets showed vehicles driving through standing water and pedestrians wading across waterlogged intersections, scenes reminiscent of the record-breaking rains that inundated the UAE in April 2024.

Authorities, keenly aware of those earlier floods, moved quickly to deploy pumps and drainage equipment. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority mobilized hundreds of fixed and mobile pumps to clear water from key junctions and highway segments, working alongside municipal crews to restore traffic flow. By midday Friday, officials said that most main roads in Dubai were once again passable, although motorists were still urged to drive with caution and avoid areas prone to pooling water.

Police departments across the emirates issued repeated advisories asking residents to stay indoors unless travel was essential, highlighting the risk of accidents on slick roads, sudden lane closures and low visibility. In some low-lying neighborhoods, residents were told to move vehicles to higher ground and to report any dangerous water accumulation to municipal hotlines.

Public Transport, Schools and Businesses Adjust to the Weather

Beyond the airports, the storm’s impact stretched into daily life across the UAE. Intercity bus services between Dubai and the neighboring emirate of Ajman and parts of Sharjah were temporarily suspended on Friday due to poor road conditions, limiting options for commuters and travelers seeking an alternative to driving. Ferry services on certain Dubai–Sharjah maritime routes were also halted until waters were deemed safe.

Schools and universities were encouraged to switch to distance learning or implement flexible attendance policies where possible. In some areas, authorities advised that students and staff avoid outdoor activities, including sports and events, as lightning and gusting winds continued to pose a risk. Construction firms and outdoor workplaces were urged to adopt remote work for administrative staff and to suspend or modify exposed operations during periods of intense rainfall.

Retailers and major leisure destinations across Dubai monitored conditions closely. Popular attractions that had temporarily closed during the heaviest downpours on Thursday began to reopen gradually on Friday once weather alerts were downgraded and key access roads cleared. However, operators continued to caution visitors to check operating hours and transport options in advance, with some venues adjusting schedules to account for staff transport delays and ongoing clean-up efforts.

Hotels near Dubai International Airport, already busy with seasonal visitors, saw an additional influx of guests as stranded travelers were handed accommodation vouchers or chose to book rooms while awaiting new flight options. Front desks reported late-night check-ins and early-morning departures as airlines pieced together recovery schedules and moved passengers onto the first available services once conditions allowed.

Travel Advice for Passengers Heading to or Through Dubai

Airlines and airport operators have issued a consistent set of recommendations for passengers with upcoming flights to, from or through Dubai while the unsettled weather persists. Travelers are being strongly advised to check the status of their flight frequently on official airline channels before leaving for the airport, as late changes to departure and arrival times remain possible when thunderstorms redevelop or visibility suddenly deteriorates.

Passengers departing from Dubai are urged to allow extra time for their journey to the airport, taking into account the possibility of traffic jams, diversions or standing water on certain routes. Using public transport where available, such as Dubai Metro and airport buses when operating normally, can help avoid potential road bottlenecks, although schedules can also be modified in severe weather.

For those already at the airport, airlines recommend staying close to the departure gate area and keeping an eye on flight information display screens, as boarding may start earlier than expected to take advantage of brief weather windows or newly allocated slots. Passengers should also ensure that their mobile phone numbers and email addresses in reservation records are current so that automated alerts about cancellations, retimings or gate changes reach them quickly.

Travelers with tight onward connections in Dubai may wish to consult their airline or travel agent about more generous connection times or alternative routings until the weather pattern stabilizes. Flexible tickets, travel insurance with disruption coverage and a willingness to accept rebookings through secondary hubs in the region can all help reduce stress when storms affect one of the world’s busiest air corridors.

Storm Highlights Climate Resilience Challenges for Gulf Aviation

The latest weather-related disruption in Dubai once again highlights the vulnerability of Gulf aviation hubs to increasingly erratic climate patterns. While winter has traditionally been considered a relatively stable period for flying in the region, recent years have seen episodes of heavy rain, flooding, dense fog and dust storms forcing airports to adjust operations more frequently.

Dubai International and other major airports in the UAE have invested heavily in drainage, runway lighting, advanced radar and forecasting technologies, as well as improved coordination with national meteorological services.

The aim is to minimize disruption while maintaining rigorous safety margins when storms roll through. However, the sheer volume of traffic at hubs like Dubai means that even short-lived weather events can quickly cascade into significant delays when runways and taxiways temporarily operate below full capacity.

Airlines based in the Gulf, notably Emirates and flydubai, have developed detailed contingency plans covering crew rostering, aircraft rotations, and passenger care during weather disruptions. These plans include agreements with hotels for emergency accommodation, extra staffing at key airports, and flexible policies for rebooking or refunding passengers whose plans are derailed.

Nevertheless, as climate variability increases, industry analysts suggest that carriers and airports in the region may need to build more slack into schedules, diversify routings and further harden critical infrastructure against intense downpours and flash flooding. For travelers, events like the current storms serve as a reminder that even the most modern aviation hubs remain subject to the forces of nature.

FAQ

Q1. Which Emirates routes were cancelled due to the latest storm in Dubai?
Emirates cancelled 13 round-trip services on Friday, December 19, including key international routes such as Dubai to Frankfurt (EK043/044), Dubai to Incheon (EK322/323) and Dubai to Colombo (EK650/651), along with flights to Tehran, Dammam, Basra, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain, Seychelles, Male and Peshawar.

Q2. How long have flight disruptions in Dubai been going on?
The current wave of disruption began on Thursday, December 18, when heavy rain and thunderstorms first affected Dubai and other parts of the UAE. Cancellations and delays continued into Friday, December 19, making it the second consecutive day of significant impact at Dubai International Airport.

Q3. What kind of weather is causing the delays and cancellations?
A persistent low pressure system over the region has produced heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong winds. These conditions reduce visibility, create challenging crosswinds and can temporarily affect runway and taxiway use, forcing air traffic controllers and airlines to slow or suspend operations.

Q4. Are only Emirates flights affected?
No. While Emirates is the largest operator at Dubai International and has cancelled multiple services, other carriers have also reported delays, cancellations or diversions. These include flydubai and various regional and international airlines whose schedules depend on stable weather and available landing and departure slots at Dubai and neighboring airports.

Q5. What should I do if I have a connecting flight through Dubai?
If you are transiting through Dubai, you should closely monitor the status of both your inbound and outbound flights via official airline channels and consider allowing more time between connections where possible. If your inbound flight is delayed enough to jeopardize your connection, contact your airline or travel agent promptly to explore rebooking options or alternative routings.

Q6. How early should I arrive at Dubai International Airport during this weather?
Airport authorities and airlines are advising passengers to arrive at least three to four hours before scheduled departure while the unstable weather persists. This allows time for potential road delays, longer queues at check-in and security, and any additional checks or procedures required during periods of disruption.

Q7. Are road conditions in Dubai also affected by the storm?
Yes. Intense downpours have led to localized flooding and water accumulation on some highways, underpasses and access roads. Although municipal authorities have deployed pumps and cleared many main routes, drivers are still being urged to exercise caution, avoid deep standing water and allow extra travel time to and from the airport.

Q8. Will travel insurance cover delays and cancellations caused by the storm?
Coverage depends on the specific terms of your policy, but many comprehensive travel insurance plans include provisions for weather-related delays, cancellations and missed connections. Travelers should review their policy documents or speak with their insurer to confirm what expenses, such as accommodation, meals or rebooking fees, may be reimbursed.

Q9. Are more weather-related disruptions expected in the coming days?
Meteorological forecasts indicate that unsettled conditions, including periods of rain and thunderstorms, could continue in the short term, although the intensity may ease compared with the peak of the storm. Passengers with flights over the next few days should continue to monitor weather updates and airline advisories for any further operational changes.

Q10. What can passengers do to minimize disruption to their plans?
Passengers can minimize disruption by checking flight information regularly, ensuring their contact details with the airline are up to date, arriving early at the airport, and remaining flexible about alternative routings or travel dates if offered. Booking flights with slightly longer connection times and considering travel insurance that covers weather disruptions can also provide extra protection in situations like the current Dubai storms.