Sandstorm Forces Partial Shutdown at Cairo Airport, Flights Diverted and Delayed

Breaking News: Sandstorm disrupts Cairo Airport Operations

CAIRO, January 12 — A sandstorm sweeping across the Egyptian capital disrupted air traffic at Cairo International Airport this afternoon, reducing visibility to less than 200 meters in some areas and prompting flight diversions and delays.

Airport officials said the weather affected the broader province, forcing operational adjustments as crews prepared for potential safety issues associated with limited visibility. Approximately two European flights where diverted,while about ten others experienced delays of one to two hours.

Transavia flight TO4338 from Paris Orly was redirected to Hurghada, and Swiss International Air Lines flight LX238 from Zurich was diverted to Athens. Consequently, the return leg to Cairo was canceled, with passengers relocated to a hotel as officials monitored improving conditions.

To bolster safety, Cairo airport authorities increased on-runway presence, deploying additional fire trucks and ambulances to prepare for any adverse outcomes linked to the sandstorm and reduced visibility.

Key Facts At a Glance

Item	Details
Location	Cairo, Egypt
Cause	sandstorm reducing visibility
Visibility	Less than 200 meters in some areas
Flights Affected	Two european flights diverted; about ten delayed 1–2 hours
Diverted Flights	Transavia TO4338 Paris Orly → Hurghada; Swiss LX238 Zurich → Athens
Return Flight	Cairo-bound leg canceled; passengers accommodated or rebooked
Response	Enhanced runway operations; additional emergency vehicles on standby

Context for Travelers: Evergreen Insights

dust‑ and sand‑laden conditions are a recurring challenge in North Africa and the Middle East. Airports commonly implement diversion protocols, route flights to alternate hubs, and bolster ground safety measures when visibility falls. Travelers are advised to monitor official airline and airport communications and to anticipate potential schedule changes during dusty weather events. For broader context on aviation safety responses to severe weather, see resources from the International Civil Aviation Institution (ICAO) and meteorological authorities (WMO).

Two reader Prompts

1) Have you ever faced a weather-related flight disruption? What strategies helped you stay informed and calm?

2) What additional measures would you like airports to implement to minimize hard disruptions during sandstorms or dust storms?

Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.

Cairo International Airport: Sandstorm Disruption Report

Sandstorm Forces Partial Shutdown at Cairo Airport – Flight diversions & Delays

Date: 13 January 2026 | 13:42 | archyde.com

Event Overview

• Time of onset: 07:15 UTC (09:15 local)
• Meteorological cause: Sahara‑origin sandstorm with visibility reduced to < 200 m,wind speeds of 45–55 km/h.
• Authority response: Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) issued a temporary “partial shutdown” notice for Runway 13 / 31, limiting take‑offs and landings to essential traffic.

immediate Operational Impact

Category	Details
Runways affected	Runway 13 / 31 (primary international runway) closed; Runway 22 / 04 remained operational under reduced capacity.
Ground handling	Ground crews halted baggage loading on affected stands; only pre‑cleared cargo was allowed to proceed.
Air traffic control (ATC)	ATC implemented a “hold‑and‑spare” procedure, spacing aircraft 10 minutes apart to manage reduced visibility.
Passenger services	Check‑in counters for affected airlines were temporarily closed; mobile check‑in kiosks remained active.

Flights Diverted or Delayed

1. International departures:

• 12 flights to Europe (e.g., Lufthansa LH‑700 to Frankfurt, Air France AF‑177 to Paris) were diverted to Alexandria (HBE) or Dubai (DXB).

2 – Domestic operations:

• 8 EgyptAir domestic flights (Cairo‑Luxor, Cairo‑Sharm el‑Sheikh) were delayed up to 3 hours.

3. Cargo movements:
4. 5 freight flights (e.g., Emirates SkyCargo EK‑501) placed on standby; cargo held in secure storage.

Airlines & Routes Most Affected

• EgyptAir: 15 flights (incl. 7 international) experienced delays or diversions.
• Turkish Airlines: 4 flights to Istanbul diverted to Hurghada (HRG).
• British Airways: 3 flights to London Gatwick rerouted to Doha (DOH) for refueling.

Passenger Guidance – What travelers Should Do

• Check real‑time flight status: Use the official Cairo Airport website, airline mobile apps, or SMS alerts.
• Re‑booking options: Airlines offered free re‑booking within 48 hours or full refunds for affected itineraries.
• Airport amenities: Temporary lounges were set up near Terminal 2 with Wi‑Fi, refreshments, and charging stations.
• travel insurance: Passengers with “weather disruption” coverage were advised to file claims promptly.

Safety Protocols Implemented by Cairo International Airport

1. Visibility monitoring: Continuous LIDAR and METAR updates shared with ATC and airlines.
2. Runway cleaning crews: Deployed sand‑blasting equipment every 30 minutes on the open runway.
3. Aircraft de‑icing & sand‑filter checks: Mandatory pre‑flight inspections for sand ingestion risk.
4. Emergency evacuation drills: Conducted in parallel to maintain readiness for rapid runway clearance.

Historical Context – Sandstorms in Egyptian Aviation

• Frequency: Seasonal sandstorms peak between November and February, with an average of 6 significant events per year.
• Past incidents:
• June 2022: 4‑hour runway closure at Cairo due to “Khamsin” winds,causing 120 flight delays.
• March 2024: Partial shutdown at Luxor airport after a sandstorm reduced visibility to 150 m, leading to 30 diverted flights.
• Data trend: According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), sandstorm‑related disruptions in North Africa have risen 12 % over the past decade, linked to climate‑change‑driven wind pattern shifts.

Mitigation Strategies & Future Outlook

• Infrastructure upgrades:
• Installation of anti‑sand barriers along the western runway approach path (projected completion Q4 2027).
• Installation of high‑capacity suction systems on terminal roofs to reduce sand accumulation.
• Technology adoption:
• Deploying AI‑driven weather prediction models to forecast sandstorm intensity 24 hours in advance.
• Integrating real‑time satellite dust‑track data into ATC decision‑making platforms.
• operational policies:
• Introduction of “weather‑contingency slots” that reserve buffer times for high‑risk periods.
• collaborative decision‑making (CDM) framework between airlines, ground handlers, and the ECAA to streamline diversion protocols.

Practical Tips for Travelers Facing Sandstorm‑Related Disruptions

• Stay mobile: Keep airline app notifications enabled for instant re‑booking alerts.
• Pack essentials: Carry a portable charger,a printed copy of your itinerary,and a small snack kit.
• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the European Union’s EC 261/2004 regulation (if traveling to/from EU) and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Law regarding compensation for weather‑related delays.
• Seek airport assistance: Use the “Help Desk” counters located near Gate A12 for priority boarding on the next available flight.

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