A day after heavy floods in Dubai, UAE, as many as 28 Indian flights, 15 Dubai-bound and 13 to India- have reportedly been cancelled. According to a report as many as 500 flights- inbound and outbound, have been diverted or cancelled amid forecast that rains and storm on Wednesday. Of these 500 flights, Indian atuhoriies have cancelled a total of 28 flights.  
 
Dubai International Airport acknowledged Wednesday morning that the flooding had left “limited transportation options” and affected flights as aircraft crews couldn't reach the airfield.
 
“Recovery will take some time,” the airport said on the social platform X. “We thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through these challenges.” Emirates said the airline had halted check-in for passengers departing from Dubai itself from 8 am until midnight 
 
The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 20 millimetres (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport.
 
The storms intensified around 9 am local Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.
 
At the airport, standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. Arrivals were halted Tuesday night, and passengers struggled to reach terminals through the floodwater covering surrounding roads.
 
Indian carriers like Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet also issued notices in X posts (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the cancellation and delays of flights to and from Dubai due to the adverse weather conditions at the Dubai International Airport. 

The airlines also shared links and a 24×7 customer care helpline for travellers who wish to avail alternate flight or a full refund. 

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain Tuesday “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”
 
Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  
 
(With inputs from PTI/AP)