UAE national carrier Etihad Airways said flights to and from Abu Dhabi got disrupted on Saturday morning after heavy fog blanketed the airport which led to its temporary closure.

Following the shut down at 2.30am, Etihad diverted seven inbound flights to three airports in the UAE, said the Abu Dhabi-based airline in a statement.

The flights later proceeded to Abu Dhabi after the airport reopened at 3.40am, it added.

However Etihad Airways warned that significant delays would continue throughout the day as thick fog remains and a large backlog of delayed flights is rescheduled.

The UAE carrier said it has deployed extra staff to Abu Dhabi Airport to assist delayed passengers.-TradeArabia News Service