Problems are being recorded in Crete due to severe weather combined with intense African dust, which is affecting air travel on the island. At Heraklion “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport, visibility has dropped significantly, forcing at least two aircraft to divert to other airports for landing.

According to reports, visibility has been reduced to around 1,000 meters, a level considered unsafe for landings, causing delays and flight diversions. Two aircraft have already been redirected: a SKY Express flight from Brussels diverted to Athens, while a British Airways flight from London was rerouted to Corfu.

The situation remains under monitoring, as the African dust continues to impact visibility and airport operations, creating operational difficulties for airlines and delays in arrivals.

Once again, Ierapetra has been hit by severe weather, with waves reaching the first houses of the old town. At the same time, a tornado overturned a truck in Pachia Ammos, while African dust has blanketed Crete.

Heraklion resembles the Sahara, with a “veil” of African dust covering the city and nearly obscuring the port. The phenomenon is currently at its peak.

Beyond the yellow-tinged landscape, the high concentration of dust has made the atmosphere suffocating. The phenomenon is expected to gradually subside later in the afternoon.

The African dust has also covered Rethymno, where the landscape now appears almost tropical. At the same time, strong southerly winds are intensifying, worsening the weather conditions.

Authorities urge citizens to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and drive carefully.

Chania has also been engulfed by a cloud of African dust, sharply reducing visibility. Light rainfall has turned the dust into mud, covering courtyards, homes, and vehicles.

According to the regional observatory of Crete, air quality in central Chania is classified as very poor, with PM10 particle levels far exceeding safe limits.

Extremely high dust concentrations

Meteorologists report extremely high levels of African dust, exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter of air on Wednesday, April 1. According to research director Kostas Lagouvardos of the National Observatory of Athens, suspended particle concentrations are exceptionally high across Crete.

These levels are expected to gradually decrease by the evening, though a new dust episode is forecast for Thursday.

Tornado overturns truck in Ierapetra

In the Pachia Ammos area, a powerful tornado overturned a truck that was preparing to load export agricultural products. It also uprooted two pine trees, damaged two greenhouses, and caused the collapse of a wall at a ceramics factory.

This marks the fourth serious incident this year, attributed to strong sirocco winds affecting the region.

Fishermen warn that the harbor remains unprotected and unsafe, while residents are advised to avoid the coastal zone until the severe weather subsides.

Coastal roads and areas near greenhouses and factories remain high-risk, and authorities urge immediate caution from both residents and drivers.