Sandstorm engulfs a sixth of nation as flights affected, health warning issued

A sandstorm that engulfed one-sixth of China, including Beijing, turned the sky hazy on Thursday as particulate matter readings soared.

It was the nation's strongest sandstorm this year, and in Beijing, it was the strongest in two years.

As of 8 pm on Thursday, 62 outbound flights and 94 inbound flights at Beijing Capital International Airport had been canceled or delayed, airport officials said.