Emirates SkyCargo Warns of Delays After Dubai Airport Flash Floods

Emirates SkyCargo is warning customers to expect delays as it continues to battle backlogs following flash flooding earlier in the week.

The UAE on Tuesday recorded its heaviest rainfall in 75 years as almost 26cm of rain fell, resulting in the temporary closure of Dubai International (DXB) and the cancellation of around 300 flights on Wednesday.

The airport slowly re-opened yesterday, but in its latest update, Emirates SkyCargo warned of delays at both DXB and freighter hub Dubai World Central (DWC).

“Backlogged cargo at DXB and DWC is being processed, and there may be delays to shipments,” the carrier said.

“We have implemented specific instructions for the carriage of special products. Please contact your local Emirates SkyCargo office for the latest updates.

“We apologise to all customers that have been affected by the disruptions and appreciate your ongoing understanding during this period.

“We continue to work with our partners and authorities to fully restore our scheduled operations.”

Meanwhile, DXB said it will limit the number of inbound flights as it continues to catch up with earlier cancellations.

“Due to the ongoing disruption, and to assist the effectiveness of recovery, DXB is temporarily limiting the number of inbound flights from 12:00pm, 19 April for 48 hours. Departures will continue to operate,” the airport operator said in an update.

According to data provider Rotate, cargo capacity at the two Dubai airports over the past 48 hours (at 12.45pm 19/04) is down by around 16% week on week.

Its figures show that capacity out of North America into Dubai over the last 48 hours is down by around 35% week on week, from Europe it is down 26%, from Asia the fall is 14%, from Africa 38%, and South America 62%.

Intra-Middle East capacity is up by around 7%.

However, this is an improvement from yesterday when around 40% of inbound capacity was showing as diverted cancelled over 48 hours compared with the previous week.