Short answer: the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said on Saturday 17 October 2026 that changing weather could reduce visibility in parts of the country and cause some limited flight delays. It did not announce any cancellations or airport closures. Airlines and airports are applying their usual safety procedures, and any schedule changes will come from the airlines and airports themselves. Fog or mist is forecast on most mornings until at least Thursday 22 October, so early-morning flights are the ones most worth checking.
What the GCAA said
The statement, carried by the state news agency WAM and reported by Khaleej Times, The National and Gulf Business, made three points:
- Weather fluctuations may reduce horizontal visibility in some areas and affect some flight operations, with possible delays.
- Airlines and airport operators are taking the necessary measures under their established operating procedures and aviation safety rules. The GCAA described such delays as “part of the operational challenges associated with these weather conditions.”
- Any updates to flight schedules will be shared by the airlines and airports concerned.
The statement did not name particular airports, airlines or dates, and gave no figures for how many flights could be affected.
Morning visibility outlook, 18 to 22 October
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast, as reported by Gulf News and Gulf Business, points to humid mornings with a chance of fog or mist, and clouds building over eastern areas in the afternoons.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 18 October | Humid, possible mist | Clouds over eastern areas with a chance of rain |
| Monday 19 October | Fog or mist possible in coastal and inland areas | Chance of rain in the east, which may spread to other areas |
| Tuesday 20 October | Fog or mist possible in coastal and inland areas | Chance of rain; gusts up to 50 km/h may raise dust |
| Wednesday 21 October | Fog or mist possible | Chance of rain in eastern areas |
| Thursday 22 October | Fog or mist reportedly possible | Showers reportedly possible in western areas |
The two reports differ on where the rain may spread from Monday. Gulf Business (17 October) said eastern and southern areas; Gulf News (18 October) said the chance extends to some inland and western areas from Monday to Wednesday, and to western areas on Thursday. The Thursday outlook comes from a single report and we could not confirm it against the NCM website. Our weather update for 16 to 19 October has more on the rain earlier in the week.
Flying this week: a checklist
- Check your flight status before you leave home, in the airline’s app or on the airport website, especially for early-morning flights. The National notes that most UAE fog forms in the early hours and clears as the sun heats up.
- Make sure your airline has your mobile number and email in the booking, so delay messages reach you.
- Allow extra time for the drive. In fog, Abu Dhabi lowers the speed limit on some roads to 80 km/h, shown on the electronic signs. Our fog driving guide explains the reduced limits and fines.
- Collecting someone? Track the arriving flight in the airport or airline app rather than relying on the scheduled time.
- Flying to Saudi Arabia? That is a separate disruption. See our update on UAE flights to Saudi Arabia and confirm your flight directly with the airline.
Quick answers
Are flights in the UAE cancelled because of fog?
No cancellations were announced. The GCAA warned of possible limited delays when visibility drops and said airlines and airports will share any schedule changes, so check your flight with your airline.
When is fog most likely in the UAE this week?
Overnight and in the early morning. The NCM forecast shows a chance of fog or mist in coastal and inland areas on most mornings from 18 to 22 October 2026.
Will it rain in the UAE this week?
There is a chance of afternoon rain, mainly in eastern areas, from Sunday 18 to Wednesday 21 October. One report says it may spread to inland and western areas, and to western areas on Thursday 22 October.
Published 18 October 2026. Sources: General Civil Aviation Authority statement of 17 October 2026 via WAM, as reported by Khaleej Times, The National and Gulf Business (all 17 October 2026); National Centre of Meteorology forecasts as reported by Gulf Business (17 October 2026) and Gulf News (18 October 2026); Abu Dhabi fog speed limits as reported by The National (17 October 2026). The spread of rain to inland and western areas, and the Thursday outlook, come from a single report and could not be confirmed against the NCM website. Forecasts change: check the NCM app and your airline before you travel.
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