ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS ON AVIATION SAFETY AND OPERATIONS AND THIER MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN MALAWI
Abstract
This study assessed the impacts of extreme weather conditions on aviation safety and operational efficiency at Malawi’s two main international airports, Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport, during 2015–2024. Disruptions caused by fog, low visibility, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and wind shear were analyzed as they pose risks to flight operations, infrastructure, and passenger safety while generating significant economic losses, such as increased fuel costs from diversions. The research aimed to identify dominant weather hazards, evaluate their effects on aviation safety and performance, and propose mitigation strategies to strengthen resilience in the sector. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative analysis of meteorological and aviation records with qualitative insights from pilots, meteorologists, air traffic controllers, and airport staff. Findings revealed that fog and low visibility were the most frequent and disruptive hazards, followed by wind shear, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms, all strongly linked to delays, diversions, cancellations, and reduced airport efficiency. Although major accidents were rare, adverse weather heightened operational risks and exposed weaknesses in forecasting systems, equipment reliability, and preparedness, while current mitigation measures such as rescheduling, pilot warnings, and diversions proved only partially effective. The dissertation concludes that adverse weather remains a major constraint to safe and efficient aviation in Malawi and recommends upgrading monitoring technologies, installing advanced landing and wind shear detection systems, enhancing staff training, improving coordination between aviation and meteorological agencies, and investing in automated and AI-assisted forecasting tools to improve safety, reduce economic losses, and support national connectivity in line with Malawi Vision 2063.
Research summary
Disruptions caused by fog, low visibility, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and wind shear were analyzed as they pose risks to flight operations, infrastructure, and passenger safety while generating significant economic losses, such as increased fuel costs from diversions. Findings revealed that fog and low visibility were the most frequent and disruptive hazards, followed by wind shear, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms, all strongly linked to delays, diversions, cancellations, and reduced airport efficiency. Although major accidents were rare, adverse weather heightened operational risks and exposed weaknesses in forecasting systems, equipment reliability, and preparedness, while current mitigation measures such as rescheduling, pilot warnings, and diversions proved only partially effective. The dissertation concludes that adverse weather remains a major constraint to safe and efficient aviation in Malawi and recommends upgrading monitoring technologies, installing advanced landing and wind shear detection systems, enhancing staff training, improving coordination between aviation and meteorological agencies, and investing in automated and AI-assisted forecasting tools to improve s