Dubai will restrict imports of cargo into its international airport for six days from Tuesday to clear a backlog caused by “extraordinarily high” volumes of inbound shipments.

Cargo handler dnata told the Financial Times that restrictions would include cargo in transit to other destinations in the UAE with only certain essential items exempted from the ban.

“We are currently working around the clock to clear the backlog of unprocessed cargo at Dubai International Airport, caused by extraordinarily high volumes of inbound cargo to Dubai, and will endeavour to resume normal operations at the earliest,” dnata told the FT.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this unprecedented time,” the company added.

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The news comes as Emirates Airlines warned that high passenger numbers were causing delays at Dubai’s main airport last week, with customers advised to arrive four hours early due to travel disruption. October 15 was expected to be the busiest day for the airline as customers took flights ahead of the October half term.

Logistics executives blamed the cargo import ban on staff shortages and said new staff are being trained and brought in to deal with the surging workload.