The Impact of Anticyclones on Flight Operations at Indian Airports: A Comprehensive Analysis of Visibility Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
摘要
This study dives into how anticyclonic weather patterns, particularly in winter, impact flight operations in North India. Anticyclones, defined by high-pressure systems and clockwise wind flow in the Northern Hemisphere, create conditions that make dense fog more likely and degrade air quality. Our research, analyzing a decade of data from 2010 to 2022, highlights a worrying rise in both the frequency and intensity of fog events, with visibility sometimes dropping to near zero. This has had significant knock-on effects for air travel, with up to 400 flights delayed daily, creating logistical challenges and financial strain for airlines and passengers alike. We take a close look at how existing measures—such as advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and specialized pilot training—help mitigate these disruptions, while also identifying where they fall short. The study proposes forward-thinking solutions that incorporate the latest technology alongside adaptive management strategies. By examining the intricate relationships among weather patterns, airport infrastructure, and human decision-making, this paper not only highlights the operational hurdles faced by one of Asia’s busiest airports but also outlines pathways for improving resilience in the face of increasingly volatile weather.