NCAA has advised passengers to show understanding when flights are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has advised passengers to show understanding when flights are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

A statement by the NCAA on Sunday noted that such cancellations were to be expected at the start of the rainy season, which is usually accompanied by hazards such as thunderstorms, lightning and turbulence.

It explained that the most severe of these hazards was the wind-shear, occurring along the flight path, adding that it could cause abrupt and substantial displacement of the aircraft from its intended path and could become extremely hazardous for aircraft taking off and landing.

According to the NCAA, other hazards associated with rainfall are microburst, hail, lightning, low ceiling and visibility, icing, altimeter error and engine water ingestion.

It said, “In other words, the rains being experienced now may result in occasional flight cancellations/delays. Airlines’ pilots are mandatorily required to obtain en route/destination weather information before the operation of a flight. They are also required to abort a flight if the weather condition is unsafe for operation.

“However, the Directorate of Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority expects the airline officials to ensure sustained communication to the affected passengers if and when flight cancellation/delay is anticipated or occurs.

“The passengers are accordingly required to remain calm, avoid violence and confrontation with the airline officials as this measure is to ensure their safety.

“The NCAA’s primary responsibility is to ensure safe and secure air transportation in the country. We will, therefore, enjoin intending passengers to exercise restraint/understanding in the event of any weather related cancellations/delays.”

The statement drew the attention of both the operators and passengers to the rights, responsibilities and limitations of all the parties as spelt out in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2012 Part 19.5.3.

It stated “An operating airline shall not be obliged to pay compensation for cancellation if it can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances, which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures have been taken.

“Therefore, any air operator who delays or cancels flight due to adverse weather conditions is merely upholding the standard and recommended practices in the industry worldwide and as spelt out in our regulations.”