A severe harmattan haze has disrupted flight operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport (MBIA) in Maiduguri, Borno state. On October 7, 2026, a four-hour thick haze forced three Maiduguri-bound flights to abort landing procedures. The flights were compelled to turn back to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The poor visibility, which was less than 200 meters, made landing unsafe.
The harmattan haze, which started early in the Northeast region, has been attributed to a meteorological shift and severe weather conditions. According to weather data, Borno State has officially transitioned out of the rainy season. The region is experiencing a sharp decline in precipitation probability, with 17% during the day and 7% at night, and zero millimeters of rainfall expected.
The reduced visibility and intense thermal conditions have made the weather challenging. Daytime temperatures in Maiduguri have reached 35 degrees Celsius under partially cloudy skies, creating severe heat stress during peak afternoon hours. Light winds ranging between 10 and 15 kilometers per hour offer little relief or atmospheric clearing.
The harsh weather conditions have left scores of passengers stranded as airlines wait for the atmospheric and hazy conditions to clear for landing and takeoff. Aviation officials confirmed that the low visibility made it unsafe for flights to land. The thick harmattan dust has covered the airspace over the state capital.
Health experts have warned that the rapid combination of heavy dust particles and extreme daytime heat presents immediate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Dr. Maryam Tijjani Gubio, a medical expert, advised residents to wear protective face masks when outdoors to filter airborne dust particles and drink water frequently to stay hydrated.
Dr. Gubio also urged parents to restrict outdoor play for young children during peak dusty and hot periods. She recommended applying light moisturizers or petroleum jelly around children's nostrils to prevent dry nasal passages and nosebleeds. Some residents have resorted to keeping their windows and doors tightly closed to limit dust accumulation inside homes and offices.
Airlines operating the Abuja-Maiduguri route continue to monitor the weather situation, advising passengers to confirm their flight statuses before proceeding to the airport. An airport worker in Maiduguri said, "We hope to have one or two aircraft landing today when the weather improves."
Key points
- Flight disruptions due to harmattan haze at Borno Airport have left many passengers stranded.
- Health experts warn of respiratory issues and dehydration due to the harsh weather conditions.
- Airlines are monitoring the situation and advising passengers to confirm flight statuses.
