Dubai airport limits arriving flights amid storm backlog

Dubai's main airport said on April 19 it is limiting the number of arriving flights for two days, as it continues to struggle to clear a backlog three days after a record storm swept the United Arab Emirates, Report informs referring to Reuters.

Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest, will limit arriving flights for 48 hours from noon local time (0800 GMT) on April 19, it said on X.

Dubai flagship carrier Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, earlier said check-in was suspended for all customers with onward connections through the city until 2359 GMT on Friday. Those traveling to Dubai as their final destination may check in and travel as usual.

The moves highlight how the Middle East hub is still struggling to clear a backlog of flights after the UAE saw its heaviest rains in the 75 years records have been kept, bringing much of the country to a standstill for two days and causing significant damage.

In neighboring Abu Dhabi, which was also hit by the downpour on Tuesday, state carrier Etihad said flight operations are back to normal.

Thousands of passengers have been affected by flight cancellations this week, Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths told local radio station Dubai Eye on Friday, after the storm flooded taxiways.