Flight cancellations imminent over 3-day hazy weather

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots and airline operators to exercise caution over a three-day dust haze from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

This warning was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) alerting the public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country.

Daily Trust reports that flight operations are often impaired during hazy weather, resulting in cancellations and delay of flights.

Our correspondent learnt that the flight disruptions will affect most parts of the North for the three-day forecast, resulting in cancellations and delays.

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A similar situation was experienced last week, with airlines adjusting flights while some were cancelled. For instance, Air Peace cancelled all its Anambra flights over the weather issue.

This is why NCAA is calling for the understanding of passengers when such delays occur.

NCAA referenced NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday which predicted moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility range from 2km to 5km over the North.

The outlook also envisaged moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m over the North Central.

The agency forecast dust haze over the inland of the South and the coastal region throughout the period.

It said, “For Tuesday, moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the northern region, the inland of the South and the coastal region of the country throughout the forecast period.”

According to NiMet, thick dust haze is expected over the Northern region throughout the forecast period.

It added that, “Dust particles are in suspension; use face masks where possible. People with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.”

Following NiMet’s advisory, the acting Director General of NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, in a statement, advised airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.