Nigeria: Flight disruptions across the country /update 1

Event

Flight operations at airports throughout the country have been significantly disrupted since early December due to the harmattan winds and associated poor visibility and dust, as well as unscheduled aircraft maintenance. Numerous flights were consequently delayed or canceled, including on Christmas Eve (December 24). The cities of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Enugu have been the most affected. The Nigerian Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that further disruptions and cancelations are likely in the coming months, as forecasts continue to predict continued adverse weather conditions, including poor visibility and suspended dust and sand, during the ongoing harmattan winds season.

Context

The harmattan affects the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea, including Nigeria, every year from November to April. It carries large quantities of dust and sand, which can lead to significant disturbances in air traffic and breathing difficulties.

Advice

Travelers flying to, from, or through Nigeria's airports are advised to confirm their reservations and to contact their airline for additional information.