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.
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.
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 spokeperson 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.