How do you ensure smooth operations when unexpected weather conditions disrupt flight schedules?

It’s key to remember that meteorological conditions remain unpredictable, despite the huge jumps in forecasting technology. Weather-related incidents and risks are acknowledged, planned for and mostly mitigated. Human response to contributing factors, exacerbating the operational situation on the ground, cannot. Despite efforts, best practice guidelines, policies, simulations and lessons learned from previous weather-related events on the ground, there may always be an inject which planning teams may not have considered, or discounted, on the risk matrix. Passengers arrive at airports despite being asked to check before travelling, insufficient infrastructure to deliver holding points, all contribute to the heat matrix and disruption.

I note that despite providing clear communication, regular updates and engagement, many passengers will simply not compute the potential implications. Flock mentality and the need to be in situ ‘just in case’ their aircraft is miraculously the one which will beat the floods, system delays and disruption to get airborne, affects vast numbers of passengers. Minimising infrastructure provision to accommodate operational capacity in fair weather does not facilitate a comfortable environment where delays are inevitable. This is a wider issue when measured against supporting travel systems, road networks and automated systems.

Risk management is key in this scenario. Balancing the potential and probability for a catastrophic incident vs achieving operational objectives. Ultimately the responsibility rests firmly with the controller making the decision at that point in time. It’s imperative that clear communication is maintained between operators, aircrew and ground personnel but instinctively controllers should always balance safety against operational goals. Aircraft can be safely diverted, yes, an inconvenience, but ultimately a better option than risking lives of crews, passengers and rescue services. Delays happen, diversions are necessary from time to time. Managed expectations and support thereafter can mitigate impact safety.