Dust storms and foggy skies in Najran on Friday resulted in the cancellation of several flights out of Najran airport, while at least 175 people visited hospital emergency rooms with breathing problems.

Mehdi Al Zamanan, a Health Department official, said all patients were provided with the necessary treatment and residents were encouraged to stay home or use masks to avoid exposure to dust and to prevent infection.

According to a well-informed source at Najran Airport, air traffic was affected by the wave of dust that covered the sky in the region, but the number of flights delayed due to weather conditions was not revealed.