PIA Suspends Flight Operations to Dubai and Sharjah Due to Severe Weather
Weather Conditions Prompt Suspension:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the suspension of flight operations to Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to severe weather conditions. The decision follows the return of heavy rains and lightning storms, coupled with high winds, which have impacted the region.
Impact on UAE:
The severe weather has led to the closure of schools and many offices across the UAE. The National Centre of Meteorology reported that some areas received more than 50 millimetres of rain before 8 am, resulting in flooding in parts of Dubai and disrupting operations at the city’s airport.
Flight Disruptions:
Dubai Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, had to cancel 13 flights and divert five others due to the adverse weather conditions. Similarly, PIA flights faced severe disruptions, including delays and cancellations. Emirates and flydubai also cautioned passengers about potential delays.
Previous Weather Events:
This latest weather incident comes after a record downpour on April 16, which claimed the lives of four individuals and caused widespread disruptions across the UAE. The heavy rainfall, totaling 259.5 mm and the heaviest in the UAE since records began in 1949, resulted in the closure of major roads for several days and forced the cancellation of over 2,000 flights.
Climate Change Link:
Experts have linked these severe weather events to climate change. The World Weather Attribution network suggested that the deluge on April 16 was likely exacerbated by global warming, which is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
Future Operations:
Despite the disruptions, PIA has assured passengers that it will resume flight operations to Dubai and Sharjah as soon as the weather conditions improve. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and comfort and pledged to reinstate services promptly once the weather situation stabilizes.
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