Indian wrestlers 'sleeping on floor' after Dubai airport flooded

The Indian Express newspaper said Paris Olympics hopeful Deepak Punia and fellow wrestler Sujeet Kalkal had been stuck at the airport since Tuesday while en route to Bishkek for the Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Scores of flights were delayed, canceled or diverted during Tuesday's torrential rain, when planes were seen taxiing on submerged runways.

Passengers wait for their flights at the Dubai International Airport in Dubai on April 17, 2024. Dubai's major international airport diverted scores of incoming flights on April 16 as heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates, causing widespread flooding around the desert country. Photo by AFP

Kalkal's father said the athletes were hoping to get on a flight from Dubai late on Thursday to make it in time for their bouts, scheduled in Bishkek for Friday.

"They have been sleeping on the floor of the terminal and have not been able to eat proper food. They are in a terrible situation," the newspaper quoted Kalkal's father Dayanand as saying.

Operations have slowed to a crawl at Dubai airport, the world's busiest by international traffic, because staff were unable to arrive with roads flooded and most public transport suspended.

With nearly every flight repeatedly delayed, passengers were told to stay away "unless absolutely necessary," Dubai Airports said.

Emirates, Dubai's flagship airline, canceled all check-ins.