NCAA alerts pilots of three days’ dust haze across Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots and airline operators to exercise caution over a three-day dust haze that started on Monday and will end on Wednesday (January 29–31, 2024) across the country.

This warning was contained in a circular by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) on weather alerting the public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the North.

The weather released envisaged moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m over the north central.

The agency forecast dust haze over the inland of the South and the coastal region throughout the forecast period.

According to the report, “for Tuesday, moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the northern region.

Moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2 km to 5km and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m is anticipated over the north central.

The inland of the South and the coastal region of the country throughout the forecast period.”

According to NiMet, thick dust haze is expected over the northern region throughout the forecast period.

Nimet, while anticipating moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km, further anticipated localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m over the North Central, the Inland of the South, and the Coastal Belt of the country.

While reporting dust particles in suspension, Nimet called for the use of a face mask where possible, urging those with asthma and other respiratory issues to be cautious in the present weather situation.

The agency further advised that “special attention should be paid to your skin, eyes, and lips. Moisturise your skin and lips as much as possible.”

Airline operators are also advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations, as the Authority urges “all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period as their safety is of utmost importance.”