(UTV| Canary Islands Sandstorm) – A vast sandstorm from the Sahara has shrouded Spain’s Canary Islands, disrupting travel plans for tourists flying in and out.
Spain’s airport operator Aena cancelled, suspended or diverted all flights to and from the islands on Sunday, citing low visibility.
But on Sunday night, Aena said operations had resumed at all airports, except Tenerife South.
A state of alert was issued by the regional government on Saturday, with residents advised to stay indoors, close their windows and avoid travel.
Spain’s national weather service said winds of up to 120km/h (75mph) could buffet the Canaries until Monday.
It is strong winds that have blasted the islands with a dense cloud of sand from the Saharan desert, some 500km (300 miles) across the Atlantic Ocean.
The sandstorm is so enormous, it is visible from space, with satellite images showing it engulfing the islands, off the coast of north-west Africa.
Ferry services and efforts to tackle wildfires in Tasarte, Gran Canaria, have also been hampered by the winds.
What is happening with the wildfires?
Firefighters are battling to contain wildfires in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, where temperatures have soared above 30C in recent days.
In south-west Gran Canaria, near the village of Tasarte, blazes have scorched around 300 hectares of land, forcing the evacuation of 500 people.
(Agencies)