Kuwait suspends flights due to a severe dust storm

Shafaq News/ Flights have been suspended at Kuwait International Airport due to the severe weather conditions caused by a dust storm, the country's Civil Aviation Authority said.

"Commercial flights will be rescheduled because of current weather patterns, while air traffic will only resume normally once the dust storm subsides," said Emad Al Juluwi, Kuwait Civil Aviation's Deputy Director-General for Air Navigation Services Affairs.

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior cautioned all citizens and expatriates on Monday of the current unstable weather conditions caused by the dust storm. In addition, it warned of poor visibility on the roads for most of the day.

Sandstorms have engulfed the Middle East in recent weeks; the phenomenon, experts warn, could increase because of climate change, putting human health at grave risk.

At least 4,000 people were hospitalized a fortnight ago in Iraq with respiratory issues, where nine sandstorms have blanketed the country since mid-April.

The phenomenon has also smothered Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates with more fear in the coming days.