Expect flight delays or possible cancellation as harmattan approaches – GCAA warns customers

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is notifying passengers travelling by air of potential challenges in the operations of airlines as the harmattan season approaches.

In a release published on the authority’s website, it explained the season is characterised by a dry and dusty wind, which causes poor visibility conditions and, in extreme cases can lead to flight delays, diversions, and possible cancellations, especially where visibility is low.

The need for flight cancellations become necessary where air-to-ground visibility is below GCAA’s prescribed aerodrome operating minima.

“It is expected that the harmattan effect will be severer at the Kumasi, Tamale and Wa Airports, which are in the northern sector of the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR), the release noted.

The authority is entreating the travelling public to exercise maximum patience during the harmattan period in situations where scheduled flight operations are disrupted.

“As the Regulator of air transport in Ghana, GCAA has accordingly advised airlines and operators to strictly comply with its directives and the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pertaining to reduced visibility conditions, ” it added.

The regulator is, therefore, assuring the general public of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety in the country.