Ammon News - Dubai International Airport is facing significant disruptions to operations after the UAE was hit by an unprecedented storm that saw the heaviest rainfall on record in the past 24 hours.

The major travel hub was forced to shut down operations for 25 minutes on Tuesday due to the adverse weather.

Roads leading to the airport remained blocked and flooded after the deluge.

Several passengers missed flights due to the flooding, while many airlines cancelled or diverted services.

The airport urged passengers not to travel to the airport unless “absolutely necessary” on Wednesday morning.

Chief executive Paul Griffiths said the hub's biggest challenge is flooding and backlog of aircraft.

“We're having to operate a strict one-in-one-out philosophy because there's nowhere to park these aircraft as they are arriving and departing,” he said on Dubai Eye on Wednesday.

The National News