Images and video posted to social media show the airfield under several inches of water and flooding in terminal buildings and on approach routes to the airport.

In an update issued on Wednesday morning (17 April), the airport urged passengers "not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary" after nearly year’s worth of rain fell in a single day.

"Flights continue to be delayed and diverted," said the airport. "Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions."

It followed a series of updates overnight charting "significant disruption" owing to an "intense storm". "Flooding and road blockages have left limited transport options for arriving and departing guests," said DXB. "Flights are delayed/diverted and impacted by displaced crew. Recovery will take some time."

DXB-based Emirates suspended check-in from 8am on Wednesday until midnight "due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions". Affected passengers are advised to contact their booking agent or the airline’s contact centre.

Emirates also reiterated DXB’s warning: Please do not go to Dubai airport if you are scheduled to leave from there today. Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights. Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals."

It comes after the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology issued weather warnings for large portions of the country, including including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.