As Inclement weather continues to cause disruptions to scheduled operations around the world, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots and airline operators to always err on the side of caution.
The top regulatory agency also urged passengers to have patience with the staff in the event of delays or even cancellations of flights.
In fact, dangerous weather conditions have affected the majority of airports around the world, prompting airlines to cancel a number of flights and postpone family vacations.
According to flight tracking website FlightAware, 3,329 flights were canceled and over 10,856 planes were delayed due to poor weather yesterday. There were 3,016 total delays going into, through, or out of the United States, while 1,731 were cancelled.
Christmas Eve saw worse numbers with at least 5,934 flights being canceled.
The NCAA, in its latest Advisory Circular, addressed to all pilots and airline operators, warned of dangerous weather between December and March 2023 – sequel to the Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, stated that the Advisory Circular was intended to alert pilots about the nature of weather associated with the dry season in Nigeria, ranging from light/moderate to severe dust haze and sometimes early morning fog, which can sometimes reduce the horizontal visibility to below the aerodrome operating minima.
“Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minima.”
“Operators shall ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of delay or cancellations on their passengers. While the Authority urges all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period as their safety is of utmost importance, stakeholders should ensure strict compliance to this Advisory Circular as violations would be viewed seriously,” Nuhu stated.
