Around 70 flights were cancelled after powerful thunderstorms swept across the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and poor visibility. <\/p>\n
The severe weather disrupted normal airport operations, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land during the peak of the storm, News.az<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n Air traffic controllers and airport authorities reduced flight movements to maintain safety, while many incoming aircraft were unable to land as scheduled. The disruption continued into the following morning because aircraft and flight crews were not in their planned locations after the storms passed.<\/p>\n Why do thunderstorms cause such major disruption to air travel?<\/p>\n Thunderstorms are among the most dangerous weather conditions for aviation. They can produce severe turbulence, wind shear, hail, lightning, and sudden changes in wind direction that create hazardous conditions during takeoff and landing.<\/p>\n Pilots are trained to avoid flying through thunderstorms whenever possible. Instead, aircraft may delay departures, enter holding patterns while waiting for weather to improve, or divert to another airport. Although these measures cause delays, they are designed to ensure passenger and crew safety.<\/p>\n Why were arriving flights diverted instead of landing?<\/p>\n When weather conditions fall below the minimum safety requirements for landing, aircraft must divert to alternate airports with better conditions.<\/p>\n Diversions occur when visibility is too poor, crosswinds exceed operational limits, or thunderstorms are directly affecting the airport. Aircraft carry enough fuel to reach alternate destinations if landing at the original airport becomes impossible.<\/p>\n Once diverted, passengers often face additional waiting time while airlines arrange transportation, replacement crews, or new flight schedules.<\/p>\n Why did cancellations continue after the storm ended?<\/p>\n Even after weather conditions improve, airport operations rarely return to normal immediately.<\/p>\n Aircraft that landed at alternate airports may not be available for their next scheduled flights. Flight crews may also be in different cities, while maintenance checks, refueling, baggage handling, and aircraft repositioning all require additional time.<\/p>\n Because airline schedules are tightly connected, disruption to one flight can affect many others throughout the day, creating a chain reaction across the network.<\/p>\n How do airlines decide which flights to cancel?<\/p>\n Airlines aim to minimize disruption while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n They consider aircraft availability, crew schedules, airport capacity, passenger demand, and connecting flights before deciding which services to cancel. Airlines often prioritize long-haul flights or routes with limited alternatives while cancelling flights that can be more easily rebooked.<\/p>\n The goal is to restore the flight schedule as quickly as possible while reducing the overall impact on passengers.<\/p>\n What happens to passengers when flights are cancelled?<\/p>\n Passengers are usually offered alternative flights to their destinations, although availability depends on the number of affected travelers and remaining seats.<\/p>\n Some passengers may receive hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, while others may be rebooked on flights operated by partner airlines. Airlines also provide information regarding baggage retrieval, refund options, and travel assistance according to applicable regulations.<\/p>\n During large-scale weather disruptions, rebooking may take several hours or even days because many flights become fully booked.<\/p>\n Can passengers receive compensation for weather-related cancellations?<\/p>\n In most cases, compensation is not available when cancellations are caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.<\/p>\n Thunderstorms are generally considered events outside an airline’s control. While airlines are still responsible for assisting passengers with rebooking and, where required, providing meals or accommodation, financial compensation is usually not required under passenger rights regulations when the disruption results from dangerous weather.<\/p>\n The exact rights available depend on the country, the airline, and the regulations governing the flight.<\/p>\n How do airports prepare for severe thunderstorms?<\/p>\n Airports constantly monitor weather forecasts using radar, satellite data, and specialized meteorological services.<\/p>\n When severe storms are expected, airport operators coordinate with airlines and air traffic control to adjust flight schedules, prepare emergency response teams, protect ground personnel from lightning risks, and ensure aircraft can be moved safely when conditions allow.<\/p>\n These preparations help reduce risk, although they cannot eliminate delays when dangerous weather develops rapidly.<\/p>\n Could similar disruptions happen at other airports?<\/p>\n Yes. Any airport can experience significant disruption if severe thunderstorms affect flight operations.<\/p>\n Large international airports are especially vulnerable because they handle hundreds of flights each day. Even a short interruption can affect aircraft, crews, and passengers across multiple countries, leading to delays and cancellations far beyond the airport directly impacted by the storm.<\/p>\n Modern forecasting and air traffic management reduce the risks, but safety remains the highest priority whenever severe weather threatens aviation operations.<\/p>\n What should travelers do when thunderstorms disrupt flights?<\/p>\n Passengers should monitor their flight status through their airline before leaving for the airport, especially during periods of severe weather.<\/p>\n Keeping notifications enabled, checking for schedule changes regularly, and avoiding unnecessary travel to the airport before receiving updated information can save time. Travelers should also keep essential items, medications, chargers, and important documents in their carry-on baggage in case unexpected delays or overnight stays become necessary.<\/p>\n