A couple from Chalfont St Peter’s in Buckinghamshire, Sue and Steve, were among the passengers returning to the UK from Dubai amid a historic storm. They described witnessing cabin crew hurriedly placing duct tape over emergency exits on their flight. The storm in Dubai was said to be the heaviest in 75 years, causing devastation and flooding across the region. The chaos extended to Dubai International Airport, where flash floods disrupted operations and caused delays for departing flights.
The torrential rain in Dubai led to chaotic scenes at the airport, where some passengers had to sleep on the floor during long waits for their flights. Sue and Steve, along with 45 other passengers, were forced to get off their flight before takeoff due to the treacherous conditions. They recalled the worrying situation on board their plane, with one emergency exit being duct taped and difficult to close. Despite the challenges, they managed to secure seats on the next flight out of Dubai and rushed to catch the plane in time.
The storm in Dubai not only affected air travel but also caused road closures and traffic disruptions in the city. Passengers reported missing connections and facing delays as flights were diverted to other airports. The UAE state-run media described the rain as a historic weather event, with over 5.6 inches of rain falling in Dubai within 24 hours. The adverse weather conditions were unprecedented, with rainfall exceeding levels recorded since data collection began in 1949.
Dubai International Airport advised passengers not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary, as flights were either delayed or diverted. Travelers were urged to check their flight status directly with their airlines due to the challenging conditions. The impact of the storm extended beyond Dubai, with neighboring countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also experiencing heavy rain and hail. The superstorm caused widespread disruption and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Despite the difficult circumstances, passengers in Dubai were resilient and tried to navigate through the chaos to reach their destinations. The scenes of cabin crew using duct tape to secure emergency exits highlighted the extreme measures taken to ensure safety during the storm. The nightmare journey experienced by Sue and Steve, along with many other travelers, served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather events and the importance of preparedness in such situations. Through perseverance and cooperation, passengers were able to overcome the challenges and eventually make it back to the UK.
