The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a warning to pilots and airline operators regarding a three-day dust haze expected across the country from Monday to Wednesday.
Captain Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of NCAA, emphasized the caution in response to a weather report from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting the propagation of dust haze.
NiMet’s weather outlook forecasts moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km over the North.
The agency anticipates similar conditions over the North Central, with localized horizontal visibility potentially dropping to less than or equal to 1000m. Dust haze is also expected over the inland areas of the South and the coastal region during the forecast period.
The advisory from NCAA emphasizes the need for airline operators to stay updated on weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
Passengers are urged to exercise patience and understanding during this period, prioritizing safety.
This cautionary message from the regulatory body follows the recent suspension of Mattini Airline Services Ltd’s permit after a runway excursion incident involving a Challenger CL 601 aircraft.
The NCAA has initiated investigations and a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria, underscoring its commitment to safety and adherence to global best practices.