The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why the country’s airspace may be closed sometimes this Harmattan period and flight operations disrupted.
Director General of the NCAA, Capt Musa Nuhu in a directive titled “NCAA :‘Aviation Weather in Dry Season” which he personally signed, informed pilots that, as a result of the seasonal climate prediction by the Meteorological Agency, the airspace could be closed and flight operations suspended at any relevant time.
He also told them in certain instances. to expect moderate to severe dust haze, early morning fog along coastal areas while in some instances reduced horizontal visibility to less than 200 meters.
Regarding the air-to-ground visibility reduction due to dust haze or fog, the document noted that “Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed operating minima and in severe conditions, dust haze can blot out runways, markers and airfield lightings over wide areas making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.”
On how it affects aircraft operations, it says “Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted, or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minima.
“Pilot, operators and Air Traffic Controllers Responsibility: Closure of the airspace by Air Traffic Controllers vital when any of the conditions above are observed or forecast by NiMet.
Strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima by Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) was demanded.Pilots /Flight Crew Members were directed to “obtain adequate departure-route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet Aerodrome Methodologist offices and stations prior to flight operations and exercise maximum restraint whenever an adverse weather is observed.”
“Operators shall ensure that necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of flight delay or cancellations on their passengers. as action requires Strict compliance to this Advisory Circular by all stakeholders.” The directive added.