50 flights diverted due to Dubai airport closure

Air Traffic at the middle-east’s busiest hub experience major snarls due to the fog and loss of power to a critical runway backup system.

The closures were caused this morning when reduced runway visibility. About 06:45 there was a loss of power to a critical runway backup system required to maintain runway lights during foggy conditions. While actual power was not disrupted, it is essential, for reasons of safety that the backup system remains functional.

This prompted Dubai International airport administrators to suspend flight operations. About 50 flights were diverted to a number of area airports in the Persian Gulf region including Dubai World Central, Al Ain, Doha in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman, and Bahrain, among others.

Runway operations were restored by 08:30. The airport operator is working with airlines, air traffic and ground services staff to restore operations, clear the backlog and limit customer inconvenience.

Further flight delays are anticipated as a result of the disruption, and so passengers are advised to check with their airline or airline websites for further information on flight arrival and departure time.

Image courtesy Dubai International airports

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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