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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) to close down the country’s airspace in case of severe dust haze expected this season, according to weather forecast released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).
The agency in a statement by Capt. Musa Nuhu, its Director-General to all pilots and airline operators, said that the development was necessary in order to ensure safety of humans and equipment in the industry.
It said moderate to severe dust haze, early morning fog especially along the coastal areas, which in some instances can reduce horizontal visibility to less than 200 meters during the period of November 2021 to March 2022, are expected in most areas of the country.
It also warned that within the same period, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed operating minima and in severe conditions, while dust haze can blot out runways, markers and airfield lightings over wide areas making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.
The agency stated that pilots, operators and Air Traffic Controllers have the responsibility to close the airspace, while it also expected strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima by flight crews/operators and ATC.
It mandated pilots /flight crew members to obtain adequate departure-route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet aerodrome methodologist offices and station prior to flight operations and excise maximum restraint whenever an adverse weather is observed.
It also emphasized that operators should ensure that necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of flight delay or cancellations on their passengers.
“Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted, or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minima,” Nuhu said.
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