The Decadal Conditions of Thunderstorm Occurrences in Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of thunderstorm on flight operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja Nigeria from 1991-2020. This study focused on decadal conditions of thunderstorm occurrences trend and its influence on flight operations. This research employed secondary data of thunderstorm occurrences from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and flight operations data from Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) both at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.  The Second Decadal Trend of Thunderstorms from 2001-2010 show a positive slope (2.703) suggests an increasing trend in thunderstorm occurrence the increasing trend in thunderstorm activity is more pronounced in this decade as indicated compare to the first decade. The Third Decadal Trend of Thunderstorm occurrences from (2011-2020) show a negative slope (-2.7818) suggests a decreasing trend, which is lower compared to the second decade, however, the decreasing trend in thunderstorm occurrences continues. The results showed that there is a relationship between the three decades of thunderstorm occurrences at 95% confidence level, although the relationship is not statistically significant (p>0.05). Therefore, flight operations could possibly be more affected by human, economic and mechanical factors. Emanating from the study, recommendations and suggestions were made. Future studies should integrate additional data variables such as wind speed, rainfall, and other climatic parameters.