How Many Inches Of Snow Will Cancel A Flight?

Snow is one of nature's most beautiful wonders, and it can make a panoramic view even more gorgeous. A stunning landscape covered with a sheet of white, flaky, shiny, and chilly layer which can transform a place into a wonderland. However, this beautiful blanket can also be responsible for interruption, delay, cancellation and severe flight accidents in the worst-case scenario. To prevent such situations and cases, airlines follow some rules and regulations to make journeys safe, face these challenges, and apply effective measures. In this article, we will look at the rules airlines follow and how they handle these situations effectively. 

Can Aircraft Fly In a Snowy Condition?

The allowed altitude for commercial planes is around 10 km, and for private jets, it is 12 km. At this height of 33,000 feet, the temperature drops as much as -60 degrees Celsius. Aeroplanes are designed to work at lower temperatures, but several factors can affect the flight when they are on land. Snow can have a significant impact on flight activities, and that is why some rules and regulations are made to ensure a smooth flight. 

According to these guidelines, most airlines cancel their flights when the Snow on the ground is more than ten inches. Depending on the weather, even six inches of Snow can cause the flights to be cancelled. These limitations and rules are made based on the airlines or the airports, as each has different rules. However, Snow is formed four inches below the surface, and the cruising altitude is above that, so your flight will not be affected. 

How Can Snow Cause Flight Cancellation?

Aeroplanes are designed to handle the cold, Snow, ice, and snow weather, which usually don't affect the flight. That is why flying during the winter can not affect the plane, and it remains safe to fly as long as safety measures are being applied. However, Snow can affect the flight in various ways, such as:

• Pilots can have poor visibility because of the Snow, which can cause delays or cancellations. 
• If it is windy, then the planes will not be able to take off as it will cause the planes to lose their balance. 
• In some cases, flight delays can occur because an Ice layer forms on the plane's surface. 
• Snow can make the runway slippery, and because of this, flights can be cancelled as well. 

Factors On Which The Cancellation Of A Flight Depends

There are several reasons why the cancellation of a flight varies. If the conditions are favourable, the chances of cancellation get low; if not, then they get cancelled. Let's look at these factors. 

• Facilities at the airport: Airports in different regions have different facilities and tactics for dealing with extreme snoSnowome. Airports have better infrastructure and strategies for tackling Snow. Removing Snow keeps the runway clear. 
• Condition of Runway: Some airports have a dedicated snow removal crew; these crew members are equipped with the necessary gadgets and gear to keep the runway clear of ice and Snow. An important part of their job is to monitor the condition of the runways, and if it is good, only then will the flight be allowed to take off. 
• Snowfall: Light Snow can never cause flights to be cancelled, but if the rate of snowfall increases, it can be lethal. Snow can directly impact the flight's activities, and the quicker the measures are applied, the quicker they will be applied. 
• Rules of an Airline: Each airline follows different principles, but generally, the safety protocol is the same for them. In some cases, flights are prohibited from taking off, and in some cases, they fly anyway. 

How can Airlines And Airports Handle The Snow In future?

As technology becomes more and more advanced, airports and airlines can make use of it. Below, we have mentioned some things that can be done in order to deal with snowy conditions in the future.

• Modern technologies can read the pattern of the snowfall, allowing airlines or airports to be prepared in advance. Some of these advanced devices are snowblowers, ploughs, loaders, and strong de-icing machines and vehicles. 
• Modern gear and gadgets can be used to remove the Snow and keep the runways open. 
• During icy weather, it is crucial to have de-icing technology. This means spraying a liquid made to remove the ice; this is called de-icing. These liquids are known as anti-icing fluids, and with the coordination of a professional crew, a plane is de-icing.