Air Arabia’s Flight ADY550 Forced to Divert to Tbilisi: What Happened as Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport Was Hit by Dense Fog!

Published on December 3, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On December 3, 2025, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight ADY550 was diverted to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) in Georgia after dense fog caused severe visibility issues at Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). The flight, originally scheduled to fly from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Yerevan, was unable to land due to dangerously low visibility, which plunged to just 150 meters early that morning. While there were no injuries or technical issues reported, the weather forced Air Arabia to take precautionary measures, resulting in a diversion to Tbilisi—a decision that left passengers facing significant delays.

Who Was Affected by the Diversion?

Air Arabia flight ADY550, an Airbus A320, departed Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 02:55 UTC (06:55 local time). The flight was a new non-stop service launched in June 2025, offering travelers a convenient direct route between Abu Dhabi and Yerevan, covering approximately 1,200 miles in about 3 hours. The plane was scheduled to arrive in Yerevan at 06:00 UTC (10:00 local Yerevan time), but as the aircraft neared its destination, holding patterns were initiated due to the thick fog over the Armenian capital.

With visibility dropping below the Category I ILS minima, a missed approach was performed, and the decision was made to divert the flight to Tbilisi—around 150 miles northeast of Yerevan. The aircraft safely landed at Tbilisi around 08:00-09:00 UTC, sparing passengers from any safety risks but causing considerable disruption.

What Happened During the Diversion?

As the aircraft approached Yerevan, the situation worsened, forcing Air Arabia flight ADY550 to circle near the airport while awaiting better conditions. After the initial approach attempt failed, the aircraft performed a go-around and began its flight toward Tbilisi.

The diversion was due to the dense fog that reduced visibility to dangerous levels, well below the standards for a safe landing. According to METAR reports, fog (coded as FG) is common in Yerevan during the winter months, particularly in valleys like the Ararat Valley, where moisture can become trapped overnight. On this morning, conditions were significantly worse than typical winter fog, with visibility as low as 150 meters, triggering the need for a diversion.

Despite the fog, Tbilisi airport provided a suitable alternative with clearer weather conditions, making it an ideal landing site. Upon arrival at TBS, the aircraft was met with no issues, and passengers disembarked safely, though delays were expected as rebooking and transport arrangements were made for onward travel to Yerevan once the fog had cleared.

Where Did This Occur and How Did It Affect Other Flights?

The diversion took place at Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Armenia’s primary international gateway. The dense fog affected multiple flights on December 3, 2025. Several international routes to Yerevan, including those from Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Larnaca (LCA), were delayed or diverted due to the poor visibility. Some flights attempted multiple approaches before either diverting to alternate airports or holding in the air.

In addition to the Air Arabia flight, passengers from Ekaterinburg (SVX) and other international destinations faced significant delays, contributing to a ripple effect throughout the region’s flight operations.

Why Did This Happen?

The root cause of this disruption lies in Armenia’s climate conditions. Radiation fog in the Ararat Valley is a seasonal occurrence, especially during the winter months. In the early mornings, temperatures drop significantly, trapping moisture close to the ground and reducing visibility rapidly. The fog typically clears by midday, but during the night and early morning hours, conditions can be hazardous for air travel.

Weather-related diversions are not uncommon in regions like the Caucasus, where fog and low cloud cover frequently disrupt flight schedules. Such disruptions have been reported in nearby cities like Baku and Tbilisi earlier in 2025. Despite such challenges, diversions and delays are routine and are implemented for safety reasons. Airports and airlines prepare for these scenarios by having alternate airports on standby, ensuring passengers’ well-being and minimizing risks.

How Was the Situation Resolved?

Once the aircraft landed in Tbilisi, Air Arabia quickly made arrangements for passengers to continue their journey. Some passengers were likely rebooked on later flights to Yerevan, while others may have been transported by ground to their destination once the fog cleared.

Air Arabia’s policies for weather-related disruptions offer rebooking options or refunds, ensuring passengers are taken care of during such events. There were no reported injuries, and the crew’s quick response prevented any serious complications from arising due to the weather.

Broader Context: The Impact of Weather on Aviation

Weather disruptions like this are not isolated incidents. Globally, approximately 5-10% of flights experience delays or diversions due to weather conditions each year. Fog, storms, snow, and even volcanic ash clouds continue to challenge aviation worldwide, making it essential for airlines and airports to have flexible plans for dealing with adverse conditions.

Weather Challenges and Aviation Resilience

The fog-related diversion of Air Arabia flight ADY550 on December 3, 2025, highlights the challenges weather poses to aviation, particularly in regions susceptible to fog. Despite the inconvenience, the swift action of the flight crew, along with the availability of Tbilisi International Airport as an alternate landing site, ensured a safe resolution. The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of preparedness when operating in challenging weather conditions.

For passengers affected by delays or diversions, airlines like Air Arabia offer compensation options to ease the travel disruption, reinforcing the commitment to safety, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.

Image: Air Arabia