NCAA raises alarm over adverse weather in Nigerian airports

Demands that pilots should exercise maximum restraint

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised alarm over impending adverse weather conditions capable of crippling flight activities in the nation’s airspace.

In a Weather Advisory Circular made available to TW, the Authority cautioned pilots, airline operators and Air Traffic Controllers on the much expected severe dust haze/fog phenomenon that will have adverse effects on the navigational at the nation’s airports.

The Authority enjoined key actors in the industry to exercise maximum restraint in marshaling flight operations and adhere strictly to timely advisory information made available to them.

The Circular disclosed that the adverse weather condition subsists “from October in the far North; November over the North Central; and December over the Southern part of the country.”

“In addition, early morning fog may also be experienced in the months ahead, especially along the coastal areas in the South.

With the issuance of this circular signed by the Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the NCAA-AEROMET-29 of August 2020 is accordingly cancelled.

This weather advisory circular is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather information to the attention of all stakeholders who need to perform their roles.

Therefore, to ensure safe and efficient flight operations during this period, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers Pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities enumerated below forthwith:

(I.) Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) shall be conversant with each aerodrome weather minima and ensure strict adherence to the requirements;

(II) Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions such as heavy fog or severe dust haze reducing the visibility to below airport operating minimal are observed or forecasted by Nimet;

(III.) Pilots/Flight Crew Members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from Nimet Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations; and

(IV.) Pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nimet and briefed passengers accordingly. Travelling public are however urged to exercise restraint and show understanding in this yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations.

From the foregoing, the regulatory authority will expect strict compliance to this Advisory Circular as violation would be viewed seriously.”