Airlines grapple with flight disruptions over unpredictable weather patterns

 

Airlines grapple with flight disruptions over unpredictable weather patterns 

The global air transport industry is increasingly coming under intense strain as the  concomitant effects of adverse weather and other climatic conditions exert debilitating impact on the operations of Nigerian airlines occasioning severe disruptions.

Experts , have. however, attributed the increasing trend of flight disruptions affecting airlines globally, including operators in Nigeria to unpredictable weather patterns and environmental changes.

As operators in Nigeria anticipate improvement in the horizon to bolster their flight operations, they remain clobbered by the sunset conditions at specific Nigerian, limits their operations from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Experts say the inability of aviation authorities to provide air field lighting and instrument landing system and critical air navigation  facilities to guide aircraft movement into such airports during low visibility constitute huge loss to airlines flying into such facility.

Although the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to fix such equipment deficit at the affected airports, airlines operating such routes and their passengers continue to grapple with the challenges.

An expert familiar with the development, who pleaded not to be named said :"The aviation industry, essential to global mobility and economic growth, has been significantly impacted by unpredictable weather patterns and environmental changes. Across the globe, from Nigeria to continents beyond, airlines face an increasing number of disruptions due to severe weather, with sunset conditions at specific airports in Nigeria becoming a major concern."

The expert went in :"  In Nigeria, many airports, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather, face frequent disruptions during the evening due to sunset conditions. "As the sun sets, visibility decreases sharply, and for airports that do not have the necessary lighting or instrumentation, this can lead to delays, cancellations, and even diversions. 

"Passengers traveling to or from these regions experience unexpected disruptions, with their planned journeys halted due to circumstances beyond airlines’ control.

"These sunset conditions, compounded by erratic weather, place a heavy burden on airline operators. Airlines must make costly adjustments to their schedules, diverting flights or rescheduling services, resulting in financial losses and customer dissatisfaction. 

"This problem is not isolated to Nigeria, as other African nations experience similar challenges, where inadequate weather forecasting and infrastructure contribute to increased delays and safety concerns."

Investigations reveal that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over the years  have raised alarms over the growing challenges posed by bad weather. Global civil aviation regulator - ICAO has developed guidelines aimed at improving safety and efficiency in adverse weather conditions, including enhancing runway visibility standards and encouraging airports to adopt better weather forecasting technology.

Trade association of global carriers - IATA has also called for more investment in predictive technologies to help airlines prepare for weather disruptions. 

According to IATA, the industry must address these challenges collaboratively to minimize the impact on both airline operators and passengers.

Experts say the  impact of bad weather on aviation is clear disrupting not only air travel but also the economies of nations reliant on the industry. 

Airlines are under pressure to adapt quickly to these challenges, from investing in advanced weather tracking systems to improving infrastructure at key airports to handle adverse conditions. 

Experts , have , however , noted that as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such weather events, global aviation faces a daunting task. 

ICAO ,  IATA and the umbrella body of indigenous carriers have intensified  their agitation for the government to intensify its efforts in addressing these issues , which is crucial in ensuring safer, more reliable air travel worldwide.