The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is cautioning pilots and airline operators to exercise vigilance during a three-day dust haze from Monday to Wednesday nationwide. Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA, issued the warning in response to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s (NIMET) weather report indicating potential visibility challenges due to observed dust haze.
NIMET’s forecast predicts moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km in the North. The North central region anticipates similar conditions with localized visibility potentially dropping to 1000m or less. The South’s inland and coastal areas are expected to experience dust haze throughout the forecast period.
For Tuesday, the Northern region may encounter moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility between 2km and 5km. North central areas and the South’s inland and coastal regions could also face similar conditions.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority advises airline operators to stay informed about updated weather reports and forecasts from NIMET to facilitate effective operational planning. Passengers are urged to exercise patience and understanding during this period, emphasizing their safety as the top priority.
This safety caution follows the recent suspension of Mattini Airline Services Ltd’s permit by NCAA, pending investigations into a Challenger CL 601 aircraft’s runway excursion. The private jet, carrying 15 persons, overshot the runway while landing at Ibadan Airport. Despite no fatalities, NCAA has initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to global best practices and passenger safety.
