Air travel disruptions resulting from meteorological conditions represent a significant aspect of the aviation industry. These disruptions arise when atmospheric phenomena, such as heavy snow, freezing rain, thunderstorms, or high winds, create unsafe operating conditions for aircraft. For example, low visibility prevents safe takeoff and landing, while strong winds can exceed aircraft operational limits. Such events often necessitate grounding aircraft to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Mitigating the impact of weather-related disruptions is critical for airlines, airports, and passengers alike. Airlines experience financial losses from compensating passengers, rerouting aircraft, and providing accommodation. Airports face logistical challenges in managing passenger flow and rescheduling operations. Passengers encounter inconvenience, delays, and potential financial implications due to missed connections, lost productivity, and unforeseen expenses. Historically, weather has been a persistent challenge for aviation, driving the development of improved forecasting technologies and operational procedures to minimize its impact.
