UAE flight delays possible as autumn weather causes reduced visibility

Travellers in the United Arab Emirates are advised to anticipate potential flight disruptions due to reduced visibility caused by seasonal weather patterns. The General Civil Aviation Authority has issued a warning that changing weather conditions could impact airport operations nationwide, leading to some delays. Such conditions are common during the autumn season in the UAE.

In response, airlines and airport operators have implemented measures to manage the situation in accordance with their operational procedures and aviation safety standards. The authority emphasized that any disruptions would be handled strictly in line with safety protocols.

Passengers are urged to stay updated through official airline and airport channels. Fog is a common weather phenomenon in the UAE, particularly during the cooler winter months. About 95% of the fog in the country is radiation fog, which forms early in the morning as heat from the Earth's surface radiates into the air, causing water droplets to condense.

This type of fog typically dissipates as the sun heats up the atmosphere. Advection fog, another form observed in the UAE, occurs when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface, creating water vapor.

Recent fog-related incidents have prompted authorities to take action. In Abu Dhabi, speed limits were reduced to 80 kilometers per hour as a safety precaution, while Dubai authorities issued a warning to drivers about poor visibility. These alerts are part of the broader effort to manage the challenges posed by the country's frequent fog.

Historically, the UAE has experienced an average of 132 fog formation days per year since records began in 2006. The heaviest fog occurred in 2010, with 17 days of fog and five days of mist in January.