Dense Fog Disrupts Dubai Airport, 19 Flights Diverted on Thursday

Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest airports, faced temporary disruptions on Thursday morning due to unusually dense fog. The low visibility forced authorities to divert 19 inbound flights to nearby airports until around 9:00 am local time, affecting both passengers and airline schedules.

A Dubai Airports spokesperson confirmed the flight diversions and said the authority is “working closely with airlines, air traffic control, and all airport partners to stabilise operations as quickly as possible.” Passengers traveling through DXB were strongly advised to check their flight status with airlines before arriving at the airport, as schedules may continue to be affected.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued red and yellow weather alerts early on Thursday, warning that visibility in several parts of the country had dropped below 1,000 meters. The fog is expected to linger through the morning hours, gradually improving as the day progresses.

Authorities also raised safety warnings for road users. Police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially on highways and busy city roads. In Abu Dhabi, electronic information boards were updated to display temporary speed limits, guiding drivers to adjust their speed according to visibility conditions.

The dense fog affected not only flights but also daily traffic flow, highlighting the challenges that extreme weather can pose to transportation in the UAE. Airport officials and local authorities are coordinating closely to ensure both air and road traffic remain safe. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to follow official traffic updates to avoid accidents.

This incident comes as part of seasonal weather patterns in the UAE, where early morning fog and reduced visibility can disrupt normal operations at major transport hubs. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and are prepared to take further measures if the fog persists, ensuring minimal disruption to both air travel and public safety.