The Influence of Weather on Flight Operations at the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport

Abstract

The impact of various types of weather on aircraft operations for one airline for 3 yr at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is investigated. Impacts are expressed as delays defined in terms of the difference between the actual flight time and that projected by the air traffic control system assuming an accurate weather forecast. The impacts of weather events were measured as the difference between these delays in clear conditions and in various types of inclement weather. Fog and thunderstorms create delays in various phases of each flight. The resultant delays at Atlanta alone create costs amounting to over $6 million annually for the airline. More accurate forecasts have the potential to reduce these costs by allowing more accurate flight planning. Decreases in the number and length of delay over time suggest that improvements in forecasts have already had an economic benefit to the airline. Delays associated with three snowstorms were also investigated. Early morning storms, even when forecast relatively late, have a rather small impact since few operations are airborne. Late-day storms, even if forecast early, have a much greater impact, since operations are well under way. Forecasts, in the case of snow events, are most valuable in assisting the airlines in canceling flights and rescheduling them once the storm is past.