Thematic investigation concerning how climatic changes affect aviation in Northern Norway
There are indications that changes in the climate have led to more demanding weather conditions for flight operations in Northern Norway during the winter season. The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority is launching a thematic investigation in collaboration with key players in aviation to systematically investigate the issue. Furthermore the investigation seeks to to identify if measures are required to maintain an acceptable level of safety.
On Sunday 12 February 2023, there were major weather challenges at Tromsø Airport. SAS, Widerøe and Norwegian all experienced incidents related to intense rain showers (CBs) and strong winds. Three aircraft from Widerøe were struck by lightning and reported severe icing. One aircraft from Norwegian was struck by lightning and had a windshear warning just before landing as well. SAS had an incident during approach where an aircraft received a windshear warning before landing and made a go-around. They experienced strong vibrations in one engine and chose to declare mayday to get priority landing due to planned snow removal of the runway.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) has assessed these incidents individually and, viewed in isolation, none were classified as serious incidents. Overall, however, the events at Tromsø Airport this day and other recorded events during the winter season 2022/2023 indicate that the weather has become more challenging for flight operations in Northern Norway in particular.
The NSIA therefore wants to launch a thematic investigation related to changes in climate and which weather-related challenges this may entail. The investigation will be carried out in line with the NSIA's mandate, law and regulatory framework.
The NSIA has involved the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, the Meteorological Institute, Avinor, SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, Avincis Aviation and the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Planned start date for the project is 5 September 2023.
Status of investigation
The thematic investigation is approaching its first important milestone. During October 2024, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute will deliver its analysis of climatic changes in Northern Norway over the past 30 years and the weather-related significance this has had in the region. In addition, an analysis of expected developments in the weather in Northern Norway up to the year 2100 will be part of the analysis.
When the analysis is in place, the NSIA will gather all the actors involved in the project to discuss the findings and any measures to maintain an accepted level of safety.
Latest update: 16.09.2024.
Facts
| Location | Northern Norway, north of the polar circle |
| Occurrence date | 12.02.2023 |
| ICAO Location indicator | ENTC |
| Operator | SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, Babcock and Norwegian Air Force |
| Registration | Temaundersøkelse |
| Meteorological conditions | IMC |
| Type of occurrence | Incident |
| Type of operation | Scheduled air transport / SAR/ambulance |
| Category of operation | Heavy, aeroplane (> 10 000kg) / Medium, aeroplane (5 700 - 10 000kg) |
| Aircraft category | Landplane, Multi-engine, Single-engine, Turbofan/Turbojet, Turboprop/turboshaft |
| FIR/AOR | ENOB (Bodø FIC/OFIR) |