NCAA Alerts Pilots, Airline Operators, Passengers to Expected Dust Haze

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots, airline operators to exercise caution over a three-day dust haze starting on Monday to Wednesday, January 29-31, 2024 across the country.

In a statement signed by the acting Director General, Captain, Chris Najomo, the regulatory authority referred to the predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMEt).

“This warning was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on weather alerting the public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country,” NCAA statement said.

It disclosed that NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility range from 2km to 5km over the North.

 It envisaged moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km, and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m over the North-central.

NiMeT forecast dust haze over the inland of the South and the coastal region throughout the forecast period.

”For Tuesday, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the northern region. Moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km, and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m is anticipated over the North central, the inland of the South and the coastal region of the country throughout the forecast period,” NiMeT said.

According to NiMet, thick dust haze is expected over the northern region throughout the forecast period.

The agency anticipated moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km.

It further anticipated localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m over the North Central, the Inland of the South and the Coastal belt of the country.

“Dust particles are in suspension; use face mask where possible. People with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations. Special attention should be paid to your skin, eyes and lips. Moisturize your skin and lips as much as possible.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations as the Authority urges all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period as their safety is of utmost importance,” NiMeT also recommended.