Tourists stranded in Dubai airport: 'We're living on duty free'

Some travellers, facing a second day of disruption, have been stranded in airport terminals, with only limited duty-free shops for supplies.

Severe flooding brought the United Arab Emirates’ busiest airport to a standstill, with hundreds of flights out of Dubai cancelled due to heavy rainfall.

There have been more than 120 cancellations and 150 delays out of Dubai International Airport.

Some travellers, facing a second day of disruption, have been stranded in airport terminals, with only limited duty-free shops for supplies.

Passengers wait for their flights at the Dubai International Airport in Dubai on April 17, 2024. Picture: AFP

One couple who had been on a flight from Sydney travelling back to the UK told the BBC that they were having to share food, nappies and basics with other stranded travellers.

“The only food we have is from duty-free so it’s like they haven’t provided any food for infants or young children,” said James Davine, who had been travelling with his wife and their 6-month-old son.

My friend trying to get to Dubai Airport right now. Biblical. pic.twitter.com/JE3zkfKauZ

— Jen Zhu (@jenzhuscott) April 16, 2024

Their flight was diverted to another airport, Dubai World Central Airport, which is 80km away from Dubai International, for their connecting flights home.

Dubai International Airport has advised travellers to not come to the airport unless they had confirmed departures as flights continue to be cancelled.

“We are currently experiencing significant disruption due to the weather and are continuously working with our emergency response teams and service partners to restore normal operations as quickly as possible,” said a message from DXB, the world’s second busiest airport, posted to X yesterday.

Social media was flooded with images of flashflooding around the airport, some claiming to be the Dubai Airport Metro and the roads on the way to the airport concourse.

“Dubai airport today”😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/ONSyfRqptT

— ALOK 6.0 (@alok4400) April 17, 2024

Emirates - Dubai’s long-haul carrier based out of the airport - has also suspended check-in of passengers at DXB until 9am on Thursday, local time.

“We are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights. Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations, as well as secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport,” said the airline in a statement.

Affected travellers are advised to head to emirat.es/support.

“Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights. Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals, and are advised to check the latest flight schedules on emirates.com,” said a spokesperson for the airline.

Dubai is currently experiencing the heavy rain that has hit the Arabian Peninsula along with other emirates. In neighbouring country, Oman at least 18 people were killed in flash floods.

This article originally appeared on the NZ Herald and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as Tourists stranded in Dubai airport: 'We're living on duty free'