Dubai sandstorm: Flights cancelled at world's busiest airport ahead of Easter weekend travel
Dramatic images showed the major storm engulfing a number of Middle Eastern cities
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Flights have been cancelled and further delays are expected in Dubai and across the Middle East after the Gulf was hit by a major sandstorm on Thursday.
The fine dust filling the air significantly reduced visibility for motorists and made breathing outside a challenge, as hospitals reported an increase in patients suffering from respiratory problems.
Dramatic images showed the extent of the problem, and Dubai airport officials confirmed that 12 inbound flights had to be diverted to nearby airports.
Dubai is the world’s busiest hub for international air traffic after it overtook London Heathrow earlier this year, and authorities warned travellers that further delays and diversions were expected.
In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, police reported that a 24-year-old was airlifted to hospital following a serious road traffic accident caused by the reduced visibility.
Airline officials at the man Abu Dhabi airport said flights to Bahrain and Dammam, Saudi Arabia were delayed due to bad weather.
In Qatar, the authorities ordered the closure of all schools due to what officials described as “extreme weather conditions”.
Delays were also reported at Hamad International Airport, which opened last year in the Qatari capital, Doha. National carrier Qatar Airways urged passengers to check their flight status online.
The United Arab Emirates' National Center of Meteorology and Seismology issued a general warning reduced visibility.
And there was no more luck for those trying to travel by coach. Dubai’s transit authorities stopped bus services to Abu Dhabi, citing “zero visibility” caused by the storm.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments