The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has called on all air passengers to exercise restraint during adverse weather, which may hamper their travel plans in the coming days and months.
In a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, on Sunday, the regulatory agency said the advice was important due to the spate of delays and cancellations occasioned by inclement weather travelling through the nation’s airports.
The NCAA had a few weeks ago said passengers should expect flight delays and cancellations this period because of the weather, and had issued a weather alert to all pilots and airline operators on the impending adverse weather.
In the circular, the agency forewarned all operators of the inherent danger associated with the harmattan dust haze as regards flight operations at this time of the year.
The NCAA said, “The prevailing weather condition is likely to herald a long and severe dust haze in the months ahead. During this period, air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.
“In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minimum due to the severe conditions. Dust haze can blot runways, the markings and airfield lightings over wide areas. These make visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible. Under this kind of adverse conditions, air travel is bound to suffer delays and cancellations.
“Passengers are, therefore, advised to exercise restraint when their travels suffer these fates. Pilots are merely observing what is contained in the departure, en route and destination weather which might sometimes necessitate outright cancellation. When these happen, the airline and the pilots are strictly adhering to the Standard and Recommended Practices.”
The NCAA, however, urged operating airlines to share as much information as possible with passengers on the progress of their respective flights in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 Part 19.
