NCAA warns of impending inclement weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned airline operators and pilots against imminent “dangerous” weather changes as the harmattan approaches.

The apex regulator enjoined stakeholders to observe safety precautions in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) during the period.

The implication is that flight disruptions in the manner of multiple delays and cancellations would upset plans of many travellers and cost struggling airlines huge revenues.

The haze of late 2017 and early 2018 led to shutdown of local flights for days when horizontal visibility dropped below the stipulated minimum of 800 metres.

While local airlines were forced to reschedule or refund fares to restive passengers with attendant losses of about 50 per cent revenue, their foreign counterparts, with advanced onboard aircraft technology, operated unhindered.

NCAA spokesperson, Sam Adurogboye, advised pilots to be cautious and uphold standard and recommended practices (SARPs) while conducting flights in hazardous weather.

In the meantime, the Nigerian Air Force and the police force have certified the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja safe for travelers.

The clearance followed a viral video on the social media purporting a terrorist attack on the facility.

In a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola, NAF said the airport was not and has never been under any attack.

According to Lagos State police spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, the gateway was safe and secure.