Corrosion

Sand can lodge in an aircraft crevices and corrode the exterior of the plane. Common MRO fixes are using a new type of paint, modifying the method of paint application, and increasing the frequency of aircraft washing.

Engine Ingestion

Sand ingested in engines can cause many damages including circumferential crack in combustion chambers.

Windscreen Indentations

Wind-blown sand can cause indentations on aircraft windscreens.

Erosion

Sand particles can erode rotor blades, turbine compressors and other exposed aircraft systems causing an increase in maintenance and possible delays.

Sand, sand everywher

Because of the massive quantity of sand in the Middle East, sand can accumulate inside the aircraft (increasing the dry operating weight), in electronics, and on lubricants used for maintenance.