NCAA Calls For Passengers’ Restraint On Adverse Weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on all passengers to exercise restraint during adverse weather which may hamper their travel plans.
The agency made the call in a statement signed by Sam Adurogboye,
General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, describing it as important due to the spate of delays and cancellations occasioned by inclement weather en route most of the nation’s airports.

It would recalled that most parts of the country witnessed adverse weather conditions during the week, which prevented most scheduled and non-scheduled flights from providing services.
NCAA had earlier issued a Weather Alert Circular to all Pilots and Airline Operators on the impending adverse weather.

The circular forewarned all operators on the inherent danger associated with harmattan dust haze as regards flight operations at this time of the year.
The prevailing weather condition, according to the agency, is likely to herald a long and severe dust haze in the months ahead.
NCAA informed that during this period, air- to – ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.
The statement read, “In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima 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 these kinds 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 (SARPs).”
The agency 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 (Nig.CARs) 2015 Part 19.
NCAA therefore advises all passengers to cooperate with the airlines as safety of lives and security cannot be compromised.
By Patrick Aigbokhan