Harmattan: NCAA counsels pilots, others over adverse weather

Chinazor Megbolu |

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has counselled pilots, airline operators and others on the adverse effects of severe harmattan in the line of duty.

The Federal Government agency issued the advisory circular, signed by the Director General, NCAA, Captain, Musa Nuhu, to caution them on the severe harmattan haze/fog always witnessed in the nation’s airports.

The NCAA noted 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 Nigeria.

The agency further explained that the early morning fog may also be experienced in the coming months, especially in the coastal areas in the southern part of the country.

Nuhu said in the circular that weather advisory was crucial to bring forth the evolving weather information to the attention of all stakeholders who need to perform their duties.

“Air Traffic Controllers might 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 Nigeria Meteorological Agency (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,” Nuhu said.

Moreover, the NCAA also instructed that pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET and brief passengers immediately.

According to NCAA; “travelling public is however urged to exercise restraint and show understanding in this Yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations.

“From the foregoing, the regulatory authority will expect strict compliance to this advisory circular as violation would be viewed seriously”.