UAE | Leisure
Inclement weather forces cancellation of activities
Poor visibility and strong winds yesterday forced the postponement of the 4th day of competition at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2006.
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
Al Ain: Poor visibility and strong winds yesterday forced the postponement of the 4th day of competition at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2006.
Winds blowing at a speed of 20 to 25 knots were viewed as dangerous for most of the aeroplanes, gliders, paratroopers and radio-controlled aircraft. Today is the final day of the show.
"Weather conditions were inappropriate for flying," said an official communiqué of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority the air show's organisers. The activities will resume today on the scheduled final day of the show.
The organisers said: "Competitions of both teams and individuals are expected to be intense today for winning top rankings."
The deferral of the 4th day's activities disappointed many participants as well as spectators. Many people braved the bad weather conditions and reached the show venue but the police was stopping them close to Al Ain International Airport.
"I am amazed to see for the first time sand flying with the winds in a desert setting," said a European participant of the air show.
Disappointing
He, however, said it is disappointing to lose a full day due to the bad weather conditions.
The windy conditions were dominating the weather from early in the morning and everybody at the show was worried about the day's activities. The air show was scheduled to open at noon, but the organisers waited until 2:00pm for the conditions to improve.
When nothing improved, a meeting of all the participants, including pilots and technical crew, was convened in which the day's activities were postponed.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority later in the day decided to extend the contest by a day to tomorrow to compensate for the lost day.
The cancellation has affected the Federation Aeronautique Internationale's (FAI) 23rd World Grand Prix Championship.
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