Heavy fog in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, disrupted flights on Monday, according to the airport officials.

 

The fog reduced visibility at Urumqi International Airport to less than 200 meters. The airport has been closed since 2:30 a.m. with 43 flights delayed or cancelled. About 5,000 passengers are staying at the airport, said Li Hongzhe, an airport official.

 

Another 64 incoming flights were redirected to nearby airports, he said.

 

The fog is becoming thicker and shall continue through Monday night and Tuesday morning, said Chen Chunyan, chief forecaster with the Xinjiang Meteorological Station.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2007)