Should flights operate during typhoons? Civil Aviation Authority revises adverse weather takeoff and landing standards

▲ After the Penghu air disaster, whether it is suitable for planes to take off and land during typhoons and thunderstorms has sparked public debate. (Photo / Taken from Wikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Following the TransAsia Airways air disaster, flight takeoff and landing standards have come under scrutiny from all sectors. On the 11th, the Civil Aviation Authority convened domestic airlines to discuss whether domestic airport takeoff and landing standards need to be raised during typhoons, whether adverse weather operating regulations should be changed, and whether airports should operate normally during thunderstorms. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that it will redefine typhoon takeoff and landing standards to avoid flights passing through thunderstorm clouds and conducting takeoff and landing operations. Industry stakeholders will also report back to the Civil Aviation Authority with their weather flight operation standards after the meeting.

Current takeoff and landing regulations at domestic airports are all based on international standards. The Civil Aviation Authority pointed out that in the past, domestic flight takeoffs and landings were stricter than international ones, but because domestic flights were often grounded while international flights operated normally, it caused dissatisfaction among passengers; to avoid affecting airline operations, it was instead left to airlines to decide whether to take off or land based on weather information provided by air traffic control.

▲ In the future, it is planned to raise airport takeoff and landing standards to enhance flight safety on routes.

Whether flights operate during typhoons is a matter of life and death! After the air disaster, TransAsia Airways raised the visibility standard for landings during typhoons by 50%; the Civil Aviation Authority stated that the flight operation guidelines of each airport comply with international regulations, and most attendees believed no changes are needed, but the evaluation of takeoffs and landings during typhoons is expected to become more rigorous.

The Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that it will re-examine takeoff and landing standards during thunderstorms and typhoons; according to international standards, although airport aprons may stop operations due to thunderstorms, airports can still remain open as long as visibility is not below the regulated level. The standards for takeoffs and landings during thunderstorms will be reviewed again with industry stakeholders. Additionally, aviation companies will also report back with their typhoon takeoff and landing operation standards for the Civil Aviation Authority to review, with a conclusion expected to reach consensus within 7 days to enhance the safety of domestic flight routes.