Storms, dust disrupt travel in Kuwait: Flights rerouted, ports impacted

Dubai: Kuwait’s Directorate of Air Navigation activated all necessary safety measures in response to Sunday night’s severe weather, which brought cumulus thunderclouds, powerful winds, and sharply reduced visibility, Director Dawood Al Jarrah confirmed.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Jarrah said the department acted in accordance with international aviation safety standards, as wind speeds exceeded 70 km/hr and gusts reached 85 km/hr.

With visibility dropping below 300 metres, two incoming flights from Assiut and Cairo were diverted to Dammam.

An IndiGo flight from Delhi was also rerouted, while another IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad landed safely at Kuwait International Airport at 11:41 pm A Kuwait Airways flight from Dubai managed to land at 11:06 pm, despite the adverse conditions. 

The Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) temporarily halted operations at Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports in response to worsening weather conditions. Winds exceeding 82 km/h and drastically reduced visibility prompted the precautionary measure to safeguard both port workers and infrastructure.

Operations at both ports resumed at 9:00am following an improvement in weather conditions. The KPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime traffic, crews, and facilities in case of any emergency.

Acting Director of the Meteorological Department Dharar Al-Ali told KUNA that satellite imagery and radar detected a dust storm affecting most parts of the country. “Some automatic monitoring stations recorded winds over 70 km/hr, with gusts exceeding 100 km/hr, reducing visibility to less than 1,000 meters and even to zero in some areas,” he said.

Al Ali projected gradual improvement over the next few hours, though dusty conditions and light rain may persist into Monday.

Al Ali warned motorists about hazardous driving conditions, especially on highways, and advised sea-goers to be cautious of waves rising beyond six feet. He urged residents to stay updated via official sources, including the Meteorology Department’s website and social media platforms.