Sandstorm disrupts Dubai, Abu Dhabi airport traffic

A sandstorm sweeping the oil-rich Gulf disrupted traffic at Abu Dhabi airport and most off the flights affected were coming from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

Airport officials said at least 30 flights from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman were delayed on Thursday.

They said eight flights from the eastern Saudi port of Dammam were delayed while nine flights from the Saudi capital Riyadh have yet to arrive.

The airlines affected include Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, and carriers from South Africa, Vietnam, the US, Seychelles, Germany, Kenya and Japan.

A Korean Air flight and a Virgin Australia flight from Muscat were also delayed while an Etihad flight from Mumbai was also delayed.

Airport officials said flight activity remains affected in late Thursday morning because of the low visibility caused by the sandstorm.

Dubai Airport has also tweeted: "Normal operations have been disrupted at DXB & DWC due to bad weather across GCC.Check with your airline for updates."

Airport has urged passengers to check the website (https://www.dubaiairports.ae) for arrival and departure times and for updates/advisory.

Number of flights flying in and out of Dubai have been either cancelled or delayed.

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