Flights hit by heavy fog

Three flights had to be diverted away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, including one to Oman, as dense fog descended on the nation in the lead up to Christmas.

by

Olivia Olarte-Ulherr

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Published: Tue 25 Dec 2012, 8:33 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 2:52 PM

The heavy fog on Monday morning dropped visibility to as low as 50 metres in areas and caused flight delays alongside the flight diversions.

A National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology spokesman said the fog resulted from thick clouds which descended about midnight on Sunday over the Western Region, with the worst visibility in Al Dhafra and Liwa areas.

Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate deputy director Colonel Khamis Issac said police had prohibited trucks from driving in foggy weather, which was set to persist for the next few days. He said police would step up road patrols in an effort to promote safe driving during fog.

In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa was shrouded in fog, with police warning of the dangers of driving in such conditions. Dubai Police operations command room director Brigadier Omer Abdulul Aziz Al Shamsi said all drivers should ensure their windshields and lights were clear and their signals working before they began driving. Drivers should leave a distance between their vehicles and those in front, reduce speed and only change lanes when necessary.

Foggy conditions are expected to continue till Wednesday, with reports stating things should be clear by Friday.

news@khaleejtimes.com