Severe Sandstorm Forces EgyptAir to Halt Aswan and Abu Simbel Flights

The Egyptian national flag carrier, EgyptAir, announced a major operational disruption. The airline suspended all flights to and from Aswan Abu Simbel airports. This decision was made on January 9, 2026. The cause was severe weather conditions affecting the region.

The airline released an official statement. It confirmed the EgyptAir flight suspension would last until conditions improved. A sudden, strong sandstorm hit Aswan on Thursday. This storm drastically reduced horizontal visibility in many areas.

Aviation Safety Protocols

Sandstorms pose a significant risk to aviation safety. They can severely obscure pilot vision during takeoff and landing. Industry bodies like IATA stress the need for robust aviation safety precautions. Grounding aircraft is a standard response to low visibility (Source 11).

Beyond visibility, sand and dust create other hazards. Airborne particles can cause erosion of aircraft engines (Source 12). This can lead to performance loss or even engine failure (Source 11). Static charge buildup may also interfere with critical flight instruments (Source 12). The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recognizes sand and dust storms as a growing risk to global aviation (Source 11).

Impact on Regional Travel

The impact on vital services extended beyond air travel. Local authorities in Aswan took swift action. They raised the state of readiness across the governorate. Emergency operations rooms were activated to monitor the situation.

As a further safety measure, the Aswan Governorate suspended all river navigation. This halt affected traffic on the Nile and Lake Nasser. The river navigation suspended status will remain until the weather clears.

The storm also created difficult desert routes driving conditions. Authorities warned motorists to exercise extreme caution. They advised drivers to adhere to traffic safety measures. Avoiding excessive speeding was strongly recommended.

Tourism and Operational Challenges

This EgyptAir flight suspension affects a key tourism region. Aswan Abu Simbel airports serve monumental cultural heritage sites. Air travel is often the preferred method to reach Abu Simbel (Source 9). Long overland journeys are the main alternative (Source 8).

Sandstorms are a recurring challenge in Egypt. These events, sometimes called khamaseen, often cause widespread travel disruption (Source 6). This latest disruption during the winter travel season impacts domestic tourism. Travelers should check with the Egyptian national flag carrier for rebooking options. The focus remains on safety until the sandstorm reduces visibility improves. For more commercial aviation news, visit https://flying.flights.