Airports across the UAE have urged passengers to closely monitor their flight schedules, as heavy fog continues to disrupt operations. In an advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sharjah Airport said several flights have been delayed or cancelled due to low visibility, with travellers advised to check updates before heading out.

The impact extended to Dubai International Airport (DXB) as well, where airlines, including flydubai, Emirates and IndiGo, reported significant delays and rescheduling throughout the morning, according to the DXB website.

This isn’t the first time fog has thrown travel plans off track in the UAE. Over the years, dense early-morning fog has repeatedly caused delays at major hubs like Dubai International and Sharjah Airport, especially during the winter months when visibility often drops without warning.

With some of the world’s busiest flight schedules to manage, even short periods of low visibility can trigger a domino effect of rescheduling, leaving airlines scrambling and travellers facing longer waits.

With both arrivals and departures affected, travellers are being advised to check directly with their airline or visit the DXB website before leaving for the airport to avoid last-minute surprises.

Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dar es Salaam until November 4 due to ongoing civil unrest in Tanzania’s biggest city, which is also a top spot for tourists. The airline, headquartered in Dubai, cancelled 10 flights, five in each direction, starting October 31, with the suspension potentially stretching beyond the announced date if the situation on the ground doesn’t improve.

“Right now, we’re keeping a close watch on things,” Emirates shared in an advisory. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.” Flights affected include EK725 from Dubai to Dar es Salaam and the return flight EK726, both popular with UAE travellers heading to Tanzania’s beaches, safaris, and the beautiful Zanzibar islands.

Emirates has also told passengers with connections to Dar es Salaam through Dubai not to start their journeys for now, as future travel depends on how the situation develops. In other words, if you’re planning to visit Tanzania via Emirates, keep an eye out for further updates; the suspension could last longer.

Have flights booked? The airline suggests reaching out to your travel agent for new arrangements or contacting Emirates’ customer service if you booked directly. They also ask everyone to check and update their contact info under Manage Your Booking so you’re always in the loop about changes.

Dar es Salaam isn’t just a tourism hotspot; it’s an important gateway for both business and leisure travel from the Gulf, with strong UAE-Tanzania trade ties. The city has recently seen protests, sparked by the exclusion of two major candidates from the presidential race and what many demonstrators say is increasing government repression, according to news reports.

Meanwhile, there’s good news for travellers eyeing Madagascar. Emirates has resumed flights to Antananarivo after a temporary pause. Starting October 23, flights EK707/708 are back in the schedule, signalling that the political climate there is stable enough for regular travel again. Passengers heading to Madagascar are now welcome to book as usual.

For travellers in the region, staying updated on flight schedules and local conditions is essential. Emirates continues to adapt its operations based on daily developments, prioritising passenger safety and flexibility.

Dubai Airports has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.

This long-term commitment is part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a truly disability-friendly city, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination (PoD) across every touchpoint.

What Does the Plan Involve?

The strategy focuses on a fundamental shift in mindset and culture, moving beyond just infrastructure improvements. It aligns with international best practices and the UAE’s commitment to PoD rights.

Recent initiatives already in place include:

• Sunflower Lanyards: A discreet identifier for travellers with hidden needs, granting them access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route.
• Hearing Loops: Installed across more than 520 touch points for travellers with hearing loss.
• Autism-Friendly Certification: DXB is recognised as an autism-friendly airport.
• Assisted Travel Lounge: A quiet, sensory-friendly lounge located in Terminal 2.
• Online Travel Planner: A visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey in advance.

The “DXB for All” Campaign

To launch the next phase of this plan, Dubai Airports has partnered with the PoD community to create a new public awareness campaign, anchored by the pledge “DXB for All.”

The campaign features six powerful, real-life stories of people with determination, including advocates like Fatma Al Jassim and former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, showcasing how they navigate the busy airport. The stories highlight the importance of:

• Employee sign language skills for deaf guests.
• Tactile guidance for those with visual impairments.
• Managing sensory sensitivities for children on the autism spectrum.

A Collaborative Effort

Making this vision a reality is a collaborative effort involving the entire oneDXB community, including key partners like Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, dnata, and many others, ensuring a seamless and inclusive journey for every guest.