The Kenya Airways has announced that it has cancelled flights following reports of floods and severe weather in the Dubai United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a statement, KQ indicated that it cancelled one flight on Tuesday, April 16th and another one on Wednesday, April 17th.
Further, the company advised customers to exercise patience as it continued to monitor the situation in conjunction with Dubai authorities.
“Due to severe weather and ongoing flooding in the United Arab Emirates, which has led to operational challenges, Kenya Airways cancelled one flight into and out of Dubai yesterday, Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, and one today, Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers for any inconvenience resulting from this situation. We are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with Dubai authorities to minimize the inconvenience and disruption to our customers’ travels,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Bus Carrying 51 Passengers Swept Away by Floods
Additionally, the airline asked affected customers to reach out to them through phone calls at +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp: +254 705 474 747, or email: [email protected].
“As this is a developing situation, we will keep you updated as soon as we have new developments,” added the statement.
Historic Floods in Dubai
Dubai in the UAE has been hit by flooding that submerged roads and vehicles and caused flight diversions.
According to the Dubai weatherman, 158mm of rain fell in 24 hours, equivalent to the typical yearly average amount of rainfall received in the area.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, April 16, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain showers in the United Arab Emirates led to the cancelation of flights and delays which affected airports nationwide.
Dubai International Airport had to divert inbound flights due to intensified storms and heavy rain which caused flooding and submerged roads.
According to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport, the rains began on Monday, April 15, soaking the sands and roads of Dubai with 20mm of rain.
Also Read: Uganda Govt Acts After Floods at International Airport
Impact of the Rainfall
Due to the rainfall, schools across the UAE remained closed and most government employees were directed to work from home. Those who drove out were trapped by the raging waters and the engines of their cars destroyed and, in many cases, submerged.
Authorities dispatched tanker trucks to streets and highways to pump out the water. In Ras al-Khaimah, the country’s northernmost emirate, police reported that a 70-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away by floods.
