Heavy Rains in Dubai Cause Flight Disruptions, Stranding Pakistan Cricketers and Passengers
Dubai experienced heavy rainfall, leading to widespread disruption in flight operations and leaving Pakistan cricketers and numerous other passengers stranded at airports, facing significant challenges.
Former cricket captain Misbahul Haq and Kamran Akmal, among other Pakistanis, were among those impacted by flight delays and cancellations.
Misbahul Haq and Kamran Akmal, en route to the US via Dubai, encountered lengthy waits at the airport due to the disrupted flight schedule.
Expressing frustration, Misbahul Haq highlighted the ordeal of standing in line for hours just to communicate with airport staff, underscoring the lack of assistance and accommodation for stranded passengers.
In a social media post, Misbahul Haq mentioned the prolonged wait without hotel arrangements, emphasizing that passengers endured extended queues to interact with airport personnel.
Concerns were raised regarding the situation, with thousands reportedly stuck at the Dubai airport due to the flight disruptions.
Absolutely right.I know it’s challenging for @emirates but still they need to handle it in a better way.People travelling are stuck for more than two days without hotel accommodation.Everyone have to be in queues for more than half of the day just to talk to staff at counters. https://t.co/NfYVvjZCuv
— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) April 18, 2024
Akmal also posted on his X account decrying the service by an Emirarti airlines.
Disappointing service by @Emirates at DXB🤷
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) April 17, 2024
Passengers traveling from Madinah to Dubai via Kuwait, after completing Umrah, found themselves stranded at Kuwait airport for two days due to Dubai’s closure.
Around 50 Pakistani passengers faced distressing conditions at Kuwait airport, lacking proper accommodations. These individuals had intended to travel from Madinah to Dubai via Kuwait following their Umrah pilgrimage. However, due to Dubai airport’s closure, the foreign airline left them stranded in Kuwait.
While Indian and Nepali passengers were accommodated in hotels, Pakistani passengers were left unattended at the airport. This included elderly women, children, and sick individuals, who were forced to sleep on the airport floor. Despite appeals for assistance, there was no response from Pakistani consulate authorities in Kuwait.
In a plea for help, passengers reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking aid as they continued to endure the challenging circumstances without adequate support.
Resumption of Flight Operations Amid UAE Thunderstorm Alert
As the thunderstorm alert in the UAE subsided, flight operations from Karachi to Dubai resumed following nationwide havoc caused by stormy rains.
While flights from Karachi to Dubai and Sharjah proceeded without cancellations post the partial restoration of operations in Dubai, departure times experienced delays.
Meanwhile, due to a stranded PIA plane in Dubai resulting from record-breaking rains, the PIA flight PK300 from Karachi to Islamabad departed four hours and 35 minutes behind schedule.