The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has warned that changing weather conditions and reduced horizontal visibility in parts of the country could disrupt and delay some flights.

The authority said weather fluctuations and a significant reduction in horizontal visibility at this time of year could affect airport operations and airline schedules.

The warning comes after recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh caused widespread disruption to flights in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, last Saturday’s attacks on the airport killed 13 people and prompted several international airlines to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia.

Emirates has also cancelled its scheduled flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Etihad Airways has also suspended flights from Abu Dhabi to the three Saudi cities.

Limited flight delays possible in the UAE

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement that changing weather conditions and reduced horizontal visibility in some parts of the country could affect certain flights and lead to limited delays, depending on weather conditions and operational safety requirements.

The authority stressed that adverse weather conditions are managed in accordance with approved operational procedures and aviation safety standards.

The relevant airlines and airports will be responsible for notifying passengers of any potential changes to flight schedules.

According to the report, weather-related disruption in the UAE is expected to be limited.

Concerns persist over Saudi flight operations

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround flight operations in Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s Houthi forces have said they will continue their attacks on Saudi airports. The Iran-backed group has also threatened to target oil facilities and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Against this backdrop, security-related disruption in Saudi Arabia, combined with the possibility of limited weather-related delays in the UAE, has affected some regional flight schedules.