Delays in Flights from the Middle East affecting Chennai Travelers

Passengers traveling internationally from Chennai have been facing significant delays in their flights due to a rain-related backlog in Dubai. The recent disruption has caused inconvenience to many travelers, with flights arriving late and departing hours behind schedule.

On Saturday, the British Airways flight from Chennai to London experienced a delay of five hours due to incoming flights being delayed. The flight, which was supposed to depart at 5.30am, finally took off at 11.30am, causing frustration among passengers. This is not the first time international travelers have been affected by delays during the summer season.

Upon landing in London at 9.30am, passengers were informed that their connecting flights to the US and Canada had already departed. As a result, transit passengers were given a change of flights to ensure they could reach their final destinations without further delays. Basheer Ahmed of Chennai Metro Travels explained that the rain in Dubai had caused a backlog, leading airlines to rebook passengers on alternative flights.

“The backlog in Dubai created a delay in the movement of transit passengers. British Airways had to make arrangements for passengers traveling beyond London to catch connecting flights to the US and Canada on other airlines,” said Basheer Ahmed.

This recent disruption comes in the wake of heavy rains in the UAE, which have caused flight cancellations and disruptions in Dubai. Schools and offices have been shut down, and residents have been advised to stay indoors due to the severe weather conditions. The orange alert for thunderstorms has led to park closures and reduced operations at Dubai Airport, further complicating travel plans for passengers.

In addition to the flight delays, residents in the UAE have been urged to take precautionary measures and work from home, while students have been instructed to attend online classes. The inclement weather has also impacted public areas, with caution advised for those venturing outside.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, two trains from the northeast running via Chennai have been rescheduled due to a loco derailment. The North Frontier Railway has announced the rescheduling of the No 12516 Silchar Coimbatore Express, which will now depart from Silchar at 11.50pm on April 30. This further adds to the travel woes of passengers relying on train services in the region.

As international passengers continue to face delays and disruptions in their travel plans, airlines and authorities are working to minimize the impact of the rain-related backlog in Dubai. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and make necessary arrangements to reach their final destinations in a timely manner.