By Oluwadarasimi Omiyale
Rising cases of flight delays, cancellations and diversions linked to poor visibility, thunderstorms and seasonal weather conditions are drawing attention to the need for stronger aviation weather forecasting infrastructure across Nigeria’s airports.
The trend is amplifying pressure on airlines and regulators to strengthen aviation weather forecasting systems and deploy more robust real-time monitoring tools to safeguard schedule integrity and operational efficiency.
The issue has gained renewed prominence as global aviation markets accelerate investment in airport-specific weather technology. India, for instance, recently moved to establish a dedicated weather monitoring station at the upcoming Noida International Airport ahead of commercial operations, highlighting the growing importance of precision forecasting in modern aviation management. For Nigeria, where seasonal weather patterns frequently disrupt flight operations, industry stakeholders say similar investments are becoming increasingly critical.
Poor visibility during the Harmattan season, coupled with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and turbulence during the rainy season, regularly affects operations at major airports including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, forcing airlines to adjust schedules in line with safety requirements.
Chris Najomo, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), recently acknowledged that flight disruptions remain an unavoidable feature of aviation worldwide but stressed the need for airlines to improve communication with passengers whenever such incidents occur.
“As far as I am concerned, delays and cancellations will continue because it is the same that is done everywhere in the world,” Najomo said during a recent television interview.
However, aviation experts argue that while weather-related disruptions may never be completely eliminated, their impact can be significantly reduced through better forecasting infrastructure, improved data integration and enhanced operational planning.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has repeatedly warned airlines, airport operators and aviation authorities of severe weather conditions expected during the 2026 rainy season.
Presenting the agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja, Charles Anosike, director-general and chief executive officer, NiMet, described weather forecasting as an essential decision-making tool across multiple sectors, particularly aviation.
“The Seasonal Climate Prediction is not just a scientific exercise; it is a vital decision-support tool across aviation, agriculture, water resources, health, disaster risk reduction, construction, and more,” Anosike said.
According to the agency, several parts of the country are expected to experience above-normal rainfall, prolonged thunderstorms and periods of reduced visibility that could affect airport operations and aircraft movements.
Industry operators note that such conditions often compel airlines to delay departures, divert aircraft or cancel flights whenever visibility falls below established aerodrome operating minima.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has consistently maintained that many seasonal flight disruptions stem from environmental factors rather than deficiencies in navigational infrastructure.
According to Abdullahi Musa, a NAMA spokesperson, harmattan-related delays and diversions are largely the result of adverse weather conditions and aircraft operational limitations.
Domestic airlines have echoed similar concerns. In recent months, carriers including Air Peace have issued operational advisories warning passengers about disruptions caused by weather instability and reduced visibility at several airports.
The recurring nature of these disruptions is increasingly strengthening calls for expanded deployment of automated weather observation systems, advanced runway visibility monitoring equipment and airport-specific forecasting technologies capable of providing real-time operational data to pilots, air traffic controllers and airlines.
Nigeria’s aviation weather monitoring framework is currently managed by NiMet in collaboration with airport authorities, air traffic management agencies and airlines, providing critical aeronautical weather services that support flight planning and navigation safety.
Yet stakeholders argue that growing passenger traffic, expanding airport infrastructure and increasingly volatile climate conditions require a more robust and technology-driven approach to weather monitoring.
Industry experts say sustained investment in meteorological infrastructure could help improve schedule reliability, minimise operational disruptions and reduce the significant economic costs associated with weather-induced delays and cancellations.
