DUBAI- Global hub, Dubai, experienced significant operational disruption early Thursday (November 20, 2025) after dense fog reduced visibility across the airfield at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The situation affected several carriers, including Emirates (EK) and flydubai (FZ), which operate extensive morning schedules through the airport.
Airport authorities confirmed that 19 inbound flights had been diverted by 9 am, with several aircraft routed to nearby airports in the region. Dubai, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, often sees seasonal fog events, but Thursday’s reduced visibility resulted in wider-than-usual operational impacts.
Fog Disrupts Operations at Dubai Airport
Dubai Airports reported that normal traffic flow was affected from the early morning hours.
The dense fog made it necessary to divert 19 arriving flights to alternative airports, and additional aircraft experienced holding delays as controllers managed flow restrictions.
Officials said the priority was maintaining safety while coordinating with airlines, air traffic authorities, and ground teams. Efforts to stabilise operations continued throughout the morning as visibility gradually improved.
Passenger Impact
Passengers faced delays both on the ground and in the air as the fog persisted longer than forecast. Airport teams advised travelers to check with airlines for the latest flight information and plan additional time for airport procedures.
Support services were made available to passengers whose flights were diverted or significantly delayed. These included rebooking assistance, ground transport arrangements, and customer service support at both DXB and receiving airports.
Fog-related disruptions occur periodically in the UAE, especially during the winter months, and airports in the region maintain standard procedures to manage reduced visibility.
Officials reaffirmed that safety remained the top priority for all arriving and departing flights.
Operational Responses to the Delays
Dubai Airports stated that airline partners, including Emirates and flydubai, remained in close contact with operational teams to reroute flights and manage gate allocations.
This ensured that arriving passengers could be processed efficiently once conditions improved.
Air traffic control authorities closely monitored runway visibility readings and coordinated with regional airports to manage diversions.
By mid-morning, teams were working to clear backlogs while keeping passengers informed through airline channels and airport communication platforms.
They emphasised that every operational decision, including diversions and extended holding times, was made after evaluating real-time visibility conditions and ensuring compliance with established protocols.
Bottom Line
Thursday’s fog-related disruptions at Dubai International Airport resulted in the diversion of 19 inbound flights and broader schedule delays across multiple carriers.
Airport authorities, airlines, and control teams worked jointly to manage the situation and minimise inconvenience to travellers.
Officials said updates would continue as conditions evolve and visibility improves across the airfield.
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