UAE Flights to US Unaffected by Storms
Flights Between UAE and US Remain Unhindered Despite Winter Storms
Airlines from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates and Etihad, have reassured passengers through statements that their international flights to the United States are operating smoothly despite severe winter storms affecting the southern states of the USA. While thousands of domestic flights in the USA have been canceled or delayed, the Dubai and Abu Dhabi-based airlines have avoided significant disruptions.
Emirates and Etihad: Stable Operations Amid Storms
The Dubai-based Emirates airline reported only a minor delay on its international flight to Dallas. A spokesperson said:
"We have not experienced any significant impact on our operations."
Etihad Airways, operating out of Abu Dhabi, also confirmed that their flights to the United States are running smoothly:
"We are in normal operating order," said the airline.
International flights operate less frequently than domestic flights, making them less sensitive to weather disruptions.
Impact of Winter Storms in the United States
The southern states of the United States have been hit by severe winter storms in recent days, causing significant disruptions. On Friday, more than 3,000 domestic flights were canceled, and thousands more faced delays. According to the FlightAware tracking website, several major airports, including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, were forced to temporarily suspend operations. Delta Airlines, for instance, canceled 1,100 flights on Friday as heavy snowfall closed Atlanta's five runways for more than two hours.
Extreme Weather: Snowfall and Strong Winds
The National Weather Service of the United States (NWS) forecasts that the winter storm will continue in the coming days. The affected areas, including Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina, can expect an additional 4-6 inches of snow, while parts of Arkansas and Tennessee could get up to 8 inches. The weather has severely impacted not only air travel but also daily life for residents. Earlier in the week, the first wave of the storm led to the cancellation of more than 2,300 domestic flights and at least five reported fatalities.
Increased Safety Measures
Intense snowfall and icy conditions have caused delays and some emergencies. For instance, a Delta Airlines aircraft had to abort takeoff at Atlanta airport due to an engine failure. Over 200 passengers and crew left the Boeing 757-300 airplane using emergency slides.
Conclusion
While the winter storms affecting the southern regions of the United States have caused major disruptions in domestic air travel, international flights from and to the UAE, such as those operated by Emirates and Etihad, have not faced significant problems. This shows that international airlines are more resilient to such weather challenges. Emirates and Etihad customers can therefore confidently plan their trips, as both airlines continue to operate safely and on time between the United States and the UAE.