With severe flooding due to record rains in Dubai and in other parts of the GCC region, aviation operations have been hit, notably in Dubai where Emirates has suspended check-in for passengers and flights remain delayed or cancelled. Etihad, Oman Air, flydubai and Gulf Air operations also hit.

Emirates Airlines has suspended check-in for passengers departing from Dubai airports from 08:00 until midnight on Wednesday due to extremely heavy rains that have led to extensive flooding, not just in Dubai, but across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, notably the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain.

Emirates, which is the largest airline in the region, has said on its social media handles that the check-in remains suspended in Dubai due to ‘operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions’ and has invited affected customers to contact their booking agent or visit the website of the airline for rebooking their flights.

‘‘Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights. Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals, and are advised to check the latest flight schedules on the website,’’ Emirates adds.

Also impacted are a number of flights to India, the largest tourism source market for Dubai, while about 15 flights bound for Dubai have been cancelled, 13 others that were to leave Dubai for India have also been cancelled. According to Dubai Airport officials, over 500 flights, both inbound and outbound, have been diverted, delayed or cancelled.

Besides the airport, other tourist sites across Dubai, notably the two of its most famous malls, Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates were flooded due to the rain as Dubai received about 130 mm rain in 24 hours, as much as it receives in a year.

Al Ain, in Abu Dhabi, witnessed a record rainfall with 254 mm falling in less than 24 hours, the highest since records began in 1949.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, with its hub in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, says it expects delays on Wednesday for some flights due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rains in Abu Dhabi. It says that passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight information on its website and allow ample travel time to the airport.

‘‘We are working closely with affected passengers to assist with itinerary changes and ensure they reach their final destinations. Etihad prioritizes the safety and comfort of our guests and crew and regrets any inconvenience caused,’’ it adds.

Meanwhile, heavy rain also impacted Oman and Bahrain. In Oman, 18 persons were killed in flash floods and in Bahrain, too, a casualty has been reported.