Air travelers in Nigeria are facing anticipated flight delays and cancellations as the harmattan season brings reduced visibility, impacting aircraft landings and take-offs across the nation. The prevailing harmattan period is characterized by fine dust particles creating a thick haze, which significantly obstructs pilots' view of runways and other aircraft, a condition often referred to in aviation as "flying blind". This challenge is exacerbated by the limited availability of functional Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Nigerian airports, which are crucial for safe aircraft operations under such adverse weather conditions.

Despite Nigeria having over 26 airports, only a few are reportedly equipped with functional ILS, severely restricting aircraft movements during periods of poor visibility. The ILS is a vital ground-based radio navigation aid designed to guide aircraft precisely during landing, especially in inclement weather like the annual harmattan haze. It provides essential horizontal guidance via the localiser and vertical guidance through the glide slope, ensuring a safe approach.

As of 2025, specific findings highlight the status of ILS at key Nigerian airports. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja boasts a functional Category III (CAT III) ILS on Runway 22, representing the most advanced system capable of guiding aircraft in near-zero visibility. In contrast, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos faced a setback when its CAT III ILS on Runway 18R was decommissioned in March 2025 due to persistent system failures. It has since been replaced with a Category II (CAT II) system, which supports landings with visibility as low as 300 meters, while the basic CAT I requires a minimum visibility of approximately 800 meters.

Aviation experts underscore the inherent difficulties of flying in Nigerian airspace during harmattan. The reduced visibility frequently prevents pilots from navigating and landing safely, leading directly to the common occurrence of flight delays and cancellations. Capt. Mohammed Gbadamasi, a former Chief Pilot of the defunct ADC Airlines, confirmed that a substantial number of Nigeria's airports continue to grapple with inadequate landing aids during adverse weather. He raised concerns about the country's commitment to aviation development, noting that the installation and serviceability of even basic CAT II ILS remain problematic.

Capt. Gbadamasi further detailed the status of ILS at Nigerian airports as of late December 2025, describing it as a blend of ongoing upgrades and recent operational setbacks. While major international hubs possess advanced systems, a significant portion of the nation's 26-plus airports still lack sufficient landing aids for poor weather conditions. He specifically mentioned the replacement of the Lagos International Airport's CAT III ILS with a new Normack Category II ILS/DME to enhance reliability. Furthermore, recent approvals in December 2025 include the installation of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) at Lagos to bolster ground safety.

Other developments in December 2025 saw Kano and Port Harcourt airports receiving full certification for international operations, confirming that their navigational aids, including ILS, comply with ICAO safety standards. Additionally, Gateway International Airport in Ogun State is equipped with an ILS/DME on Runway 23, which was certified fully functional and fit for unrestricted use in September 2025. The Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport commenced calibration of its landing equipment in January 2025, with a full ILS installation anticipated by late 2025, following the initiation of commercial flight operations on December 10, 2025.

In response to these issues, aviation security expert Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd) raised critical questions regarding the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority's (NCAA) oversight responsibilities. He emphasized that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig CARs) contain clear stipulations for the periodic maintenance of aviation infrastructure, applicable to both government and private operators, with enforcement falling under the NCAA's purview. Ojikutu highlighted that equipment such as radar, runways, and VOR typically require yearly maintenance, while ILS specifically mandates maintenance twice a year.

Capt. Ojikutu concluded by posing fundamental questions to operators regarding their compliance with safety regulations as per the Nig CARs, and to the safety regulatory authority concerning its enforcement of these regulations on operators and allied services. His remarks underscore the importance of stringent adherence to maintenance schedules and regulatory oversight to ensure aviation safety and reliability, especially during challenging weather conditions like harmattan.