Flight cancellations and delays are often puzzling, especially when a quick Google search shows clear skies at your destination. However, flight operations involve more than just the weather conditions at the departure or arrival locations. Airlines like Buddha Air, operating in Nepal’s challenging terrain, prioritize safety above all else and take multiple factors into account before making a decision.
The Three-Airport Rule: Ensuring Safety at Every Step
A key aspect of flight safety is the “three-airport rule.” This rule ensures that for a flight to be safe, the weather conditions at the departure airport, destination airport, and a third airport (known as a buffer airport) all meet safety standards. These standards include sufficient visibility and weather conditions that allow for safe takeoffs and landings at all three locations.
Even if the weather at the destination airport is clear, poor weather at either the departure airport or the buffer airport, such as reduced visibility or heavy fog, can lead to flight delays or cancellations. This precautionary approach ensures passenger safety is never compromised.
Google Weather Isn’t Always Accurate for Flight Operations
Google’s weather updates provide a general overview of conditions, but they don’t always reflect real-time weather at an airport. For aviation purposes, airlines rely on specialized weather reports such as METARs (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports) and TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts). These reports give precise, up-to-the-minute information on crucial factors like visibility, wind speed, and humidity, which are essential for determining whether it’s safe for an aircraft to take off or land.
At Buddha Air, we rely on these detailed reports to make the safest decisions for our passengers.
Fog and Reduced Visibility: Common Challenges in Nepal
In Nepal, dense fog is a common occurrence, especially during the winter months when humidity levels fluctuate. Fog significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult for pilots to safely navigate aircraft, especially during critical phases like takeoff and landing. Even modern systems like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) require a minimum visibility threshold to ensure a safe approach.
Nepal’s mountainous landscape, with its shorter runways and complex approaches, makes even small visibility reductions a serious concern. As a result, flights may be delayed or cancelled to ensure safe operations.
The Domino Effect of Weather Delays
Weather-related delays often have a ripple effect on flight schedules. For example, if a morning flight is delayed due to fog, it can affect later flights throughout the day as the airline adjusts its schedule to account for refuelling, maintenance, and passenger changes.
Even if the weather improves by the afternoon, earlier delays can still cause disruptions as the schedule works to catch up. Buddha Air continuously strives to minimize these delays by optimizing ground operations and keeping passengers informed about any changes.
Flight Cancellations: Safety Always Comes First
While delays and cancellations are inconvenient, they are crucial for maintaining safety. At Buddha Air, we never make the decision to delay or cancel a flight lightly. These decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment of all factors, including weather conditions at all relevant airports, the readiness of the aircraft, and operational safety guidelines.
During the winter months, when weather-related issues like fog are common, it’s important for passengers to stay informed and flexible. While these weather disruptions are often unavoidable, understanding the reasons behind delays and cancellations can make the experience less frustrating.
Conclusion: Safety is the Priority
It may be frustrating to face delays or cancellations when the weather at your destination appears clear. However, it’s essential to remember that the airline’s top priority is ensuring your safety throughout your journey. The next time you encounter a delay or cancellation, rest assured that it is a necessary step in making sure your flight is as safe and smooth as possible.