Last week, Václav Havel Airport in Prague experienced disruptions as its crucial meteorological station, responsible for providing essential data for air traffic control, was damaged by lightning. The adverse weather conditions and the absence of accurate meteorological data led to the redirection of some flights. However, as of Wednesday, the airport’s meteorological station and data transmission are fully operational again, confirmed Monika Hrubalová, the spokesperson for the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).

The system for collecting measured meteorological data from ČHMÚ was successfully restored last Tuesday evening, marking a swift recovery from the lightning-induced malfunction. Throughout the disruption, ČHMÚ continued to provide forecast and warning services to facilitate take-offs and landings at Prague airport. Additionally, the institute offered reports on meteorological conditions, including crucial data such as wind direction and speed.

The operations, once restored, underwent thorough testing and verification in collaboration with the Air Traffic Control of the Czech Republic and Prague Airport, adhering to prescribed procedures. A tweet from ČHMÚ on January 10, 2024, officially confirmed the complete restoration of the meteorological data system.

The lightning-induced malfunction, coupled with reduced visibility, posed operational challenges at the airport, resulting in the diversion of dozens of flights and the cancellation of routes by several airlines. The failure of the meteorological station meant that flight dispatchers were unable to access vital weather data, leading to difficulties in informing crews about the evolving situation at the airport.

Klára Divíšková, a spokesperson for Prague Airport, acknowledged that the combination of unavailable meteorological data and adverse weather conditions presented one of the most significant operational complications at the airport in recent years. The swift restoration of the meteorological station underscores the importance of such systems for safe and efficient air traffic management, with the airport now resuming normal operations.

Article by Prague Forum