A sandstorm shrouding Cairo since Saturday had affected air traffic at the Cairo International Airport, forcing some flights to divert and others to delay take- off, the official MENA news agency reported on Sunday.

At least six incoming flights operated by EgyptAir, the largest national carrier in Egypt, were diverted to other airports in the country, including three to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, according to the report.

Another nine incoming international and domestic flights were delayed while four outgoing international flights had to wait longer than usual to take off, said MENA.

Many passengers have been stranded at the airport.

Visibility was reduced to less than 200 meters on Sunday and weather forecasters expect no change for the next 48 hours.

Source: Xinhua