From December to February, the harmattan carries fine dust from the Sahara across the South West. Mornings can be beautifully cool, but the haze changes how far a pilot can see.
Why visibility matters
Our flights are flown by sight, with instruments as support. We only fly when the pilots can see far enough to navigate safely and spot other aircraft. Thick harmattan can bring that distance down quickly.
How the decision is made
The duty captain checks the forecast the evening before and again two hours before departure, with reports from the airports along the route. If visibility is below our limit, we hold the flight.
The captain's decision is never questioned. We would rather move a flight than rush one.
What happens to your booking
You get a message straight away with three choices: a later departure the same day, a free move to another day, or a full refund. If you must travel today, we arrange a car by road at our cost.
The upside
On clear harmattan afternoons the air is crisp and the light is soft and golden. Some of our best sunset flights happen in January.
