Across the globe, from Nigeria to continents beyond, airlines face an increasing number of disruptions due to severe weather, with sunset conditions at specific airports in Nigeria becoming a major concern.
The festive period, which automatically falls within December/January, the period synonymous with low visibility (fog, heavy rain, snow), depending on the country, as a result of harmattan, is here again.
The period is actually taking a toll on airlines, especially in places without necessary navigational aids.
Experts say an airline may lose more than twice the volume of fuel it will normally use to operate a particular route if its flight encounters bad weather, especially when it happens suddenly after being airborne and has to either hover or return to base.
The flight would also spend extra time maneuvering the situation and will ultimately impact on the next schedule of the aircraft.
“Flight cancellations and delays are the main effect of bad weather. Unless a pilot is headed for a suicide, he would not take off in a visible inclement weather. The operator and passengers suffer a big consequence, especially when it results in outright cancellation. Poor visibility from fog, rain, snow, or other causes can make it difficult for pilots to see, especially during takeoff and landing.
“In Nigeria, many airports, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather, face frequent disruptions during the evening due to sunset conditions. As the sun sets, visibility decreases sharply, and for airports that do not have the necessary lighting or instrumentation, this can lead to delays, cancellations, and even diversions. Passengers traveling to or from these regions experience unexpected disruptions, with their planned journeys halted due to circumstances beyond airlines’ control.
“These sunset conditions, compounded by erratic weather, place a heavy burden on airline operators. Airlines must make costly adjustments to their schedules, diverting flights or rescheduling services, resulting in financial losses and customer dissatisfaction. This problem is not isolated to Nigeria, as other African nations experience similar challenges, where inadequate weather forecasting and infrastructure contribute to increased delays and safety concerns.”,
On Sunday, authorities at Heathrow said around 100 flights had been cancelled as strong winds continue to cause some travel disruption in parts of the UK as millions of people travel ahead of Christmas.
They advised passengers to check with their airline before travelling.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had stated that 71 % of air accidents in Nigeria are caused by poor weather conditions.
It affect all aspects of aerodrome operations such as aircraft fuelling, cleaning, baggage handling, catering, aircraft maintenance and the scheduling of flights.
“It then behoves on operators and authorities to take precautions in line with standards as this is the only way to avoid incidents. Globally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have raised alarms over the growing challenges posed by bad weather. ICAO has developed guidelines aimed at improving safety and efficiency in adverse weather conditions, including enhancing runway visibility standards and encouraging airports to adopt better weather forecasting technology. IATA has also called for more investment in predictive technologies to help airlines prepare for weather disruptions. According to IATA, the industry must address these challenges collaboratively to minimize the impact on both airline operators and passengers.
“The impact of bad weather on aviation is clear disrupting not only air travel but also the economies of nations reliant on the industry. Airlines are under pressure to adapt quickly to these challenges, from investing in advanced weather tracking systems to improving infrastructure at key airports to handle adverse conditions. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such weather events, global aviation faces a daunting task. ICAO and IATA’s continued efforts in addressing these issues are crucial in ensuring safer, more reliable air travel worldwide. ”
