Flight cancellations are the most annoying thing that can happen to tourists during their trip. Everybody knows there are tons of reasons why flight cancellations happen, whether it is because of technical issues, crew scheduling issues, air traffic issues, or weather issues. In most cases, the result would be the same as the cancellation of your flight. However, the weather is one of the most common reasons for flight cancellations. But do flight cancellations happen due to heavy rain, or do airlines continue their services during the rain also?
The question is very simple, but the answer is not direct. It depends on whether the flight should be canceled or not. So what are the conditions under which flight cancellation happens due to rain, or how can you check if your flight could be impacted or not?
Does rain cancel the flights?
The modern airplanes of each airline are designed to fly through the rain as well. The rain is water, which will not affect the flight. However, some other factors are arrested due to rain, which directly impacts the delay or flight cancellation. If the rain is heavy, it will lead to low visibility during the flight. The pilots won’t be able to see the direction. Heavy rain also won’t allow the airplane to fly too high, which also impacts the flight and can cause flight cancellation due to rain.
If the winds are at their peak along with rain, there is a 90% chance the flight will be canceled. Due to the fact that lane wings would be impacted, which are also responsible for the plane that cancels the flight, water accumulated on the runway of the landing airport. Because of this, the plan can slip off its course and result in dangerous results.
So it completely depends on whether the flight is canceled or not. However, a nominal downpour won’t affect your flight.
Weather Conditions that Lead to Flight Cancellation
Bad weather conditions such as heavy rain, low visibility, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and a snowstorm can be the reason for your flight delay or cancellation. All those things will directly impact the plane’s ability to receive proper guidance while flying, which causes the plane to lose direction. Low visibility will not allow pilots to move in any particular direction. Wind will damage the wings and other important parts of the plane. All this could lead to a big plane crash.
Sandstone can also be a reason for the cancellation of your flight. Sandstorms do not directly cause rain, but in most cases, sandstone forms after heavy rain in desert areas. Sandstone generally occurs in nearby countries that consist of deserts. But it affects the take-off and landing of the airlines.
This is a completely natural thing since you can’t control the rain. But the best way to deal with this situation is to check the weather before booking the flight. Or at least avoid traveling in the rainy season. Such practices can save you a lot of money as well as improve your trip experience.
Does rain impact takeoff for flights?
The airlines face many problems taking off during heavy rain. But nowadays, the plane has been sufficiently modified and digitalized by an engineer so that it can fly and land safely without any damage or tragedy.
Planes with reverse thrust capabilities can easily land even with zero braking action. So it’s completely safe to land in heavy rain. So don’t worry, you are stuck in the same situation; just remember not to panic anyway.
Why Do Some Flights Have Weather-Related Delays or Cancellations But Not Others?
Rain is a natural phenomenon that equally affects airlines. But not all airlines respond the same in the same situation. It’s completely up to the airline whether to delay, fly, or cancel the flight.
Passenger safety will always be a priority for airlines. The decision to fly or not is made by airlines after considering maintenance requirements and staff availability.
Do Airlines Refund Money If a Flight Is Canceled or Delayed Due to Weather?
General: You are able to get a refund from the airlines no matter whether you booked a refundable ticket or not. But most of the time, airlines adjust passengers to the next flight going to the same destination without any additional fees or charges. But sometimes, a few airlines try to be clever and neither refund your money nor book the next flight for you. So it is very important to airlines.
Extreme weather conditions are also considered “exceptional circumstances,” as indicated in Article 5 III of Regulation (EU) No. 261/2004, so if your flight is delayed as a result, you will not be eligible for any compensation.
Conclusion
Most of the time, rain won’t cause your flight to be delayed or canceled. However, in extreme cases, flights could be canceled due to pilots’ low visibility or the accumulation of water at the best landing airports. The best way to deal with this situation is to travel by plane in monsoon season, or even if you make a plan for your trip, make sure to check the weather before you book the dates. Slow rain won’t affect your party, etc., but don’t let heavy rain ruin your party.
FAQs
Is it safe to fly in a thunderstorm?
Before, flying was seen as a risky alternative, but it is now so thoroughly developed. Because of the airline’s advanced technology, even during heavy rain, flights are perfectly safe.
Which flights are canceled by airlines, and how do they decide?
In the same circumstances, every airline takes a distinct approach. Before making a decision, a variety of factors are considered, including the time of the flight, maintenance requirements, staff availability, and passenger safety protocol.
What causes cancellations of flights the most often?
One of the most likely causes of airline cancellations is bad weather. It should come as no surprise that more flights are canceled in the winter. Yet, there are different types of weather, and airports and planes are prepared to handle adverse conditions like snow and severe rain.
