Dust Storms and Aviation

Dust storms cut visibility, can hide runways and make landing unsafe. In Pakistan they are most common in the hot pre-monsoon months, from roughly April to June, and are typical of dry, windy days.

What a dust storm does

Strong winds lift dust and sand, sometimes forming a wall of dust that moves quickly. Visibility can fall from many kilometres to a few hundred metres in minutes. In a METAR, dust shows as DU, sand as SA, and a duststorm as DS. See how to read a METAR.

Effects on flights

• Landings and takeoffs may be paused until visibility improves.
• Gusty winds add to difficulty; see crosswind.
• Dust can affect aircraft engines and systems, so airlines inspect carefully afterwards.

Where it happens

Southern and interior areas such as Sindh and southern Punjab and Balochistan are most exposed, but dust can reach cities widely.

What passengers can do

• Check the weather before travel and expect short delays.
• Do not panic if your flight holds: dust storms often pass within an hour or two.
• Keep an eye on live airport weather.

See also smog and air traffic and visibility.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.