Rainy seasons: NCAA warns pilots, airlines of thunderstorms

As the Nigerian public gears up for more heavy rains, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted intending travellers of the probable temporary closure of the country’s airspace during inclement weather conditions.

In a circular issued to intending travellers and airline operators, the regulatory agency said the probable closure was in line with Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

In recognition of the outset of the rainy season with the attendant thunderstorms, the NCAA  has called on all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise extreme caution during flight operations.

According to a statement issued on behalf of the authority by its spokesperson, Sam Adurogboye,  rainy season which is torrential, is prevalent in the Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria and it is usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which could impact the safety of flight operations.

The NCAA partly read: “There are many other hazardous weather occurrences such as severe turbulence, microburst or low-level wind-shear and occasionally hail events are bound to affect air navigation. The Regulatory Authority, therefore, directs all Pilots to recourse to utmost restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). Under the development, pilots and Flight Crews shall mandatorily obtain adequate, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMET Aerodrome Meteorological offices before flight operations.”

While in the same vein, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) and Flight Crews/Operators have been urged to ensure total compliance with all aerodromes operating minima, the NCAA mentioned some impending adverse weather conditions to include: severe thunderstorms, squall lines microburst or low-level wind-shear as observed or forecast by NiMET.”

The body while recalling a similar weather alert issued by the Authority in March at the advent of the rainy season, said alert was circulated to the entire industry ahead to airlines and pilots to expect and take recommended precautionary measures.