Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cited safety consideration as major reason for flight cancelation.
According to the agency, the spate of flight cancellations and delays being experienced by passengers at the nations’ airports are attributable to adverse weather conditions and therefore advised passengers to show understanding and exercise caution when airlines are rescheduling and cancelling flights.
‘The Airline Operators are strictly adhering to the regulatory guidelines enshrined by the Authority to conduct airline operations in Nigeria in the interest of safety Sam Adurogboye deputy general manager (DGM PR) public relations warned in a statement made available to Oriental News Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a weather alert to sensitise all Pilots on the hazards associated with Harmattan dust haze in flight operations at this time of the year.
The alert also served as a warning to aircraft captains to be aware of the obvious threat harmattan dust haze pose to aircraft particularly in the areas of low visibility.
Harmattan which is prevalent at the cessation of rainy season leads to heavy fog hence air – to – ground visibility is considerably reduced. As a result, this makes airline operations unsafe and dangerous if not adequately put into consideration.
All Pilots are therefore expected to obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
The Authority is therefore reiterating its earlier advice to airline Pilots to exercise maximum restraint when there is adverse weather forecast.
‘In similar vein, passengers are enjoined to bear with the airlines during this period as the Authority will not compromise safety and security of air transportation in Nigeria.
NCAA therefore wishes to assure the travelling public that their safety is paramount. Towards this end, we are still maintaining a very strict regulatory regime and all airlines are compelled to follow the laid down procedures. All passengers should therefore be aware that whilst NCAA is the statutory regulatory Authority it behoves on the airlines to ensure all safety regulations are adhered to allow for seamless air travel in our airspace. It is pertinent to point out that violations will be viewed seriously by the Authority. The statement added.
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