Dense Fog Disrupts Dubai Airport's Operations

Dense Fog Disrupts Operations at Dubai International Airport: Flights Diverted and Passengers Delayed

Dense fog is not just a spectacular natural phenomenon but also one of the biggest challenges in aviation. On Thursday morning, November 21st, Dubai International Airport (DXB) faced several hours of operational disruption, during which at least 19 incoming flights had to be diverted to other airports. This situation arose due to the dense, so-called 'monster' fog that affected several emirates in the United Arab Emirates.

How Did the Fog Affect Dubai's Air Traffic?

According to a statement from DXB airport, operational disturbances began in the early morning hours when visibility dangerously decreased. By the time 9 AM came around, 19 incoming planes were forced to divert, landing at nearby alternative airports such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. The airport worked with all available partners and authorities to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible, minimizing inconvenience to passengers.

Authorities emphasized that travelers should not head to the airport without first checking flight information, a piece of advice that was repeated several times during the morning hours.

Flydubai and Sharjah Airport's Response

The low-cost carrier Flydubai referred to the weather conditions as the season's first dense fog and announced that several flights had to be canceled or diverted. Some flights were only able to depart with significant delays. The airline apologized to passengers and promised to restore the schedule as soon as visibility improved.

Not only was Dubai's airport affected, but Sharjah Airport also warned passengers that many scheduled flights had become uncertain due to the unstable weather. The airport strongly advised passengers to only depart if they had confirmed their flight status with the airline.

Details of the Weather Situation

The dense fog not only hindered aviation but also caused difficulties in road traffic. Several residents reported that visibility dropped below 500 meters during the morning hours, especially in Dubai's suburbs and parts of Abu Dhabi. The National Meteorological Center (NCM) issued a red alert for areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. The first warning appeared shortly after midnight, as visibility conditions rapidly deteriorated.

In aviation, reduced visibility not only jeopardizes landing and take-off operations but also affects ground handling services, such as connecting with passenger bridges, baggage handling, or even safe taxiing on runways. In such cases, airport traffic controllers work under extremely strict protocols and are often required to redirect aircraft to airports with suitable visibility conditions.

What Are the Consequences of Such a Situation?

Due to diverted flights, not only are passengers delayed, but the return departure of arriving aircraft is also postponed, which can have a domino effect on the entire day’s schedule. Baggage handling can also become problematic, as luggage from diverted flights may not always arrive with passengers at the original destination. It's common for passengers to be transported by buses from assigned alternative airports to their final destinations, which requires additional time and organization.

What Can Passengers Do in Such Situations?

Such situations serve as a reminder of the importance of checking information before traveling. Online airport flight information systems and mobile apps provide up-to-date details on flight departures, arrivals, and delays. Passengers are advised to directly contact the airline's customer service, especially if they have a connecting flight or if their scheduled departure is at risk.

According to experiences, major airlines offer rebooking options in such cases, while in other instances, they may even provide accommodation for waiting passengers. Airport staff and information desks play a key role in these situations, so it’s advisable to notify them as early as possible if one is affected by diverted flights.

Future Challenges

In the United Arab Emirates, fog is not uncommon during the winter months. The combination of the cooling overnight and high humidity often leads to dense fog formation, especially from November to February. Therefore, affected airports like Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International continuously develop their navigation systems to minimize disruptions caused by fog. However, the forces of nature can occasionally override even the most advanced technology.

Summary

The dense fog experienced on Thursday illustrates how quickly an ordinary trip can turn into an unpredictable challenge. Dubai, boasting one of the world’s busiest airports, managed the crisis well; however, the event is a reminder that nature can always surprise us—even in cities with the most sophisticated infrastructure. The key takeaway for travelers: always stay informed, flexible, and prepared to handle such unexpected situations.

(The article source is Dubai International Airport (DXB) statement.)