How can fog impact aviation operations?

Fog is a weather phenomenon characterized by a dense accumulation of water droplets in the air, which can significantly reduce visibility. In aviation operations, visibility is critical for both takeoff and landing procedures. When fog sets in, it can often decrease visibility to levels that make it challenging for pilots to see the runway or other aircraft, leading to heightened risk during these critical phases of flight.

Safe operation in low visibility conditions, such as those created by fog, often requires the use of specialized instruments and procedures, which may include instrument landing systems (ILS) or other navigational aids. If visibility is too reduced due to fog, it may force aircraft to delay departures, divert to alternate airports, or even cancel flights altogether to ensure safety.

The other alternatives suggest beneficial impacts of fog on aviation, which do not accurately reflect the practical challenges faced in low visibility conditions.