Eilat, Tel Aviv Airports closed due to sandstorm
Dust and sand storms arriving from North Africa cause high level of air pollution throughout Israel.
Eilat Airport was closed Monday after the sandstorm that swept over Israel this week migrated south towards the resort city, resulting in the cancellation of airline Arkia's domestic activity. Tel Aviv's Dov Hoz Airport and the Haifa Airport were also closed for landings Monday morning.
Israel's Airport Authority announced that due to the weather those intended to fly to Eilat are asked to check their flight schedule with the various airlines.
On Sunday, Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir asked passengers to arrive to Ben Gurion Airport instead of the shut down Dov Hoz.
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Study: Dust storms pose growing health hazard in south
The Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a severe air pollution warning throughout Israel due to strong winds, sand storms and dust arriving from North Africa to our region through the East Mediterranean Sea.
The ministry recommends those suffering from lung and heart diseases, children, pregnant women and the elderly to avoid physical activity.
On Monday morning, the ministry measured high concentrations of particles penetrating the respiratory system. According to the ministry's pollution map all areas are marked in red, indicating a high level of pollution – just one level lower than the highest level.
