Nigeria: NCAA warns drivers and others about adverse weather

12/02/2020 Ethiopia, World



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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a warning circular to warn pilots, airline operators, and others against the severe harmattan haze / fog phenomenon that is prevalent at Nigerian airports. .

This comes as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said that revenue of $ 53 million from foreign airline ticket sales is still trapped in Nigeria, just as African countries owe foreign airlines a total of 516 million dollars.

The NCAA explained that adverse weather conditions will persist from October in the extreme north, November in the north central and December in the southern part of the country.

Also, in the coming months fog may be experienced in the early morning, especially along the southern coastal areas.

NCAA Director General Captain Musa Nuhu, who signed the circular, said the advisory was necessary to bring evolving weather information to the attention of all stakeholders who must perform their duties.

To ensure safe and efficient flight operations during the period, pilots, operators and air traffic controllers (ATC) must fulfill a series of responsibilities, which include that the crew / operators and ATC must be familiar with the meteorological minima of each aerodrome and ensure strict compliance. to the requirements.

This means that each airport has its own weather minimums different from the others and air traffic controllers must be aware of this.

“Air traffic controllers could temporarily close the airspace when the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) observes or predicts dangerous weather conditions, such as dense fog or severe dust haze that reduces visibility below the airport’s operating minimum.

“Pilots / flight crew members should obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination meteorological information and receive instructions from the NIMET aerodrome offices prior to flight operations,” the circular said.

The NCAA also directed pilots to exercise the utmost restraint whenever NIMET observed or forecast adverse weather and informed passengers accordingly.

“However, the traveling public is urged to exercise restraint and show understanding this Christmas month, as flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions.

“From the above, the regulatory authority will expect strict compliance with this warning circular, as the violation would be seriously considered,” the agency said.

IATA: Nigeria owes foreign airlines $ 53 million for ticket sales