The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned pilots, airline operators and others on the severe dust and haze/fog phenomenon prevalent in Nigerian airports.
Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, gave the warning in a circular issued on Tuesday by the authority.
Adurogboye said that the adverse weather condition would 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.
“With the issuance of this circular signed by the Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the NCAA-AEROMET-29 of Aug. 2020 is accordingly cancelled.
“This weather advisory circular is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather information to the attention of all stakeholders who need to perform their roles,” he said.
The circular reads: ”To ensure safe and efficient flight operations during this period, pilots, operators and air traffic controllers’ pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities enumerated below forthwith:
“Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) shall be 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;
“Pilots/Flight Crew members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from Nimet Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations; and
“Pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nimet and briefed passengers accordingly.’’
The circular urged the travelling public to exercise restraint and show understanding in the Yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations.
Adurogboye said that the regulatory authority would expect strict compliance to the advisory circular as violation would be viewed seriously.
