Exploring the Effect of Weather on Flight Schedules and Delays

Flight delays are an inevitable part of air travel in India. Delays can significantly increase overall trip costs, and inconveniences, and even lead to missed meetings, appointments, and other personal engagements. Weather is often a contributing factor in many flight delays and can affect different airports in different ways. In this article, we will analyse the impact of weather on flight schedules and delays in India.

1. Low Clouds and Low Visibility

Low clouds and low visibility conditions can be one of the major causes of flight delays in India. When the clouds are low and visibility is reduced, air traffic controllers are unable to accurately locate planes and flights nearly as quickly as they do under clear skies. At the same time, when the visibility is low, the flight pursers may not be able to identify the runway and contact air traffic controllers for clearance to land. This leads to delays in landing and take-offs.

2. High Winds

High winds can also be a major contributing factor in flight delays. High winds can easily affect the flight control systems of the plane and make it difficult for them to land safely. In some cases, high winds can even make it impossible for the plane to land safely and, in order to ensure crew safety, the plane may be forced to return to its originating airport. This will, of course, lead to delays in arrivals and departures.

3. Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can cause issues with a plane’s engines and cabins. The plane needs to have a certain balance of temperatures in order to run properly and take off easily. If the temperatures outside reach a certain level, the plane may be forced to remain grounded due to the fact that the extreme temperatures could cause the plane to become unstable in mid-air. Extreme temperatures can also cause delays in loading and unloading as the crew is required to be extra careful in loading and unloading luggage and passengers.

4. Rain and Thunderstorms

Rain and thunderstorms can be a major concern when it comes to flight delays. Thunderstorms can cause severe turbulence that can be dangerous to the plane and the people in them. At the same time, rain can cause high winds and visibility issues at the airport, leading to delays, and cancellations.

5. Fog

Fog can also cause delays and cancellations as it reduces visibility and increases the difficulty of taking off and landing safely. At airports with high levels of fog, flight operations become limited as it becomes almost impossible for air traffic controllers to accurately locate planes and give instructions for landings.

6. Hailstorms

Hailstorms can also be a major contributor to flight delays and cancellations. Hail can damage the plane’s external body and cause structural damage to the plane as well. If a plane is flying in an area that is heavily impacted by hail, the plane may be forced to return to its originating airport or find an alternate location to land. This will, of course, lead to delays or cancellations.

7. Hurricanes

Hurricanes are another major contributor to flight delays and cancellations in India. Hurricanes are violent storms that can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and massive amounts of damage to airports and other infrastructure. As a result, flights may be cancelled or re-routed in order to keep pilots, crew, and passengers safe.

8. Lightning

Lightning can also cause severe turbulence and, depending on the severity of the lightning, can even cause damage to aircraft. As a result, planes may be forced to re-route or be grounded in order to keep passengers safe.

9. Sandstorms

Sandstorms can cause visibility issues, reduce the runway length and make it difficult for air traffic controllers to accurately locate planes. As a result, flights may be delayed or re-routed to another airport in order to ensure safety.

10. Volcanic Ash

Volcanic ash can cause extensive damage to aircraft and can cause explosions if it enters the engine. As a result, planes may be cancelled or re-routed if they fly in an area affected by volcanic ash.

Conclusion

Weather can have a major impact on flight schedules and delays in India. Low clouds, high winds, extreme temperatures, rain and thunderstorms, fog, hailstorms, hurricanes, lightning, sandstorms, and volcanic ash can all contribute to flight delays and cancellations in India. It is important for passengers to be aware of weather conditions when booking flights and make sure that they have the necessary time to plan their travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions answered regarding the impact of weather on flight schedules and delays.

What are the major causes of flight delays in India?

The major causes of flight delays in India are low clouds and low visibility, high winds, extreme temperatures, rain and thunderstorms, fog, hailstorms, hurricanes, lightning, sandstorms, and volcanic ash.

How can weather affect flights in India?

Weather can affect flights in India by reducing visibility, increasing turbulence, reducing runway length, and making it difficult for air traffic controllers to accurately locate planes. Weather can also cause delays in loading and unloading and force planes to be re-routed.