Heavy rain disrupts flights across the UAE

Severe weather conditions cancelled, diverted and delayed flights across the UAE on Wednesday, that also saw Abu Dhabi International temporarily shutting down its runway. Abu Dhabi International suspended flights for around an hour “in line with civil aviation regulations” as heavy rain and strong winds lashed the emirate, a statement said. The closure had a knock-on effect in the region, with Abu Dhabi International being the UAE’s second busiest airport and home to Etihad Airways. Diverted flights landed at nearby airports in Al Ain, Dubai and Muscat. Flights resumed at around 1.45pm. The ceiling of the Sky Park Plaza, a parking complex at Abu Dhabi International, was damaged in the deluge, Abu Dhabi Airports also said Wednesday. The heavy rain also forced the closure of Abu Dhabi Air Expo for the second day in a row. Weather conditions cancelled and delayed flights in Dubai and caused delays in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, according to airport websites and airlines. Some flights departing Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, were delayed by as much as two hours.<br/>