Why Weather Delays Happen
Aviation operates on thin margins of safety. Conditions that are merely inconvenient on the ground can be dangerous at 10,000 metres and 900 km/h.
Weather Conditions That Affect Flights
| Condition | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fog (visibility < 200m) | Delays landings, diverts flights |
| Thunderstorms | Lightning risk, severe turbulence, hail |
| Strong crosswinds (> 60 km/h) | Landings difficult or impossible |
| Ice and snow | Runway closures, de-icing delays |
| Volcanic ash | Engines can fail; airspace closed |
| Turbulence | Uncomfortable; severe turbulence can injure |
Turbulence Types
- Convective: From thunderstorms — often avoidable with radar
- Clear-air turbulence (CAT): Near jet streams, invisible to radar — this is the kind that surprises
- Mountain wave: Wind flowing over mountains creates oscillating waves
- Wake turbulence: From other aircraft — managed by spacing rules
De-Icing
Aircraft must be free of ice before takeoff because even a thin layer of ice changes the wing's shape, reducing lift. De-icing fluid has a "holdover time" — if snow continues, the plane may need re-treatment, causing delays.
How Airlines Manage Weather
- Route around storms using weather radar
- Delay departures to wait for conditions to improve
- Hold aircraft in the air (circling) until conditions allow landing
- Divert to alternate airports when conditions deteriorate
- Ground flights preemptively for safety (thunderstorms, hurricanes)
What You Can Do
- Book morning flights — weather delays compound throughout the day
- Check your route's weather, not just your departure and arrival cities
- Have travel insurance for weather-related disruptions
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