The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Advisory Circular cautioning Pilots, Airline Operators on severe weather conditions prevalent in Airports throughout the country at this time of the year.
The Agency explained that the adverse weather condition characterized by dust haze and fog phenomenon is expected occurrence is to subsist 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.
The circular signed by the NCAA Director General, Capt Musa Nuhu, said the weather advisory circular is necessary to provide the evolving weather information to the attention of all stakeholders who need to perform their roles.
‘’The travelling public are also 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.’’
He advised that in order to ensure safe and efficient flight operations during this period, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers Pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities including Flight Crews, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) ensuring they are conversant with each aerodrome weather minima and ensure strict adherence to the requirements.
‘’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.’’
The NCAA Boss further urged Pilots and Flight Crew Members to ensure that they obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from Nimet Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations and Pilots are required to exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nimet and briefed passengers accordingly.
