Treffer: MANAGING FLIGHTS DURING FOG EVENTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF KRAKÓW-BALICE AIRPORT.

Purpose: To quantify the impact of fog on flight diversions at Kraków Airport (EPKK) and to analyze the implications of this operational vulnerability, specifically in relation to the airport’s Category I Instrument Landing System (ILS). Methodology: This study employed a retrospective, quantitative research design to empirically investigate the influence of fog on aircraft diversions at EPKK. The study is a flight operations data (Eurocontrol PRISME) and meteorological records (METAR) analysis using a four-month annual sample allowing for a longitudinal examination of patterns and correlations over an extensive eight-year period (2015-2023). All data acquisition, processing were conducted using custom scripts developed in the Python programming language. Findings: Fog is the primary driver of disruptions, causing 63.6% of all flight diversions in the sample. These events are highly seasonal, peaking in December, and are a direct consequence of visibility frequently dropping below the airport's CAT I operational minima. This forces a heavy reliance on Katowice Airport (EPKT) as the primary alternate destination. Research limitations: The primary limitation is the use of sampled monthly data, which may not capture the full annual impact. Originality: This paper provides novel, quantitative evidence linking specific fog characteristics to operational disruption rates at a major Polish airport. It offers significant value to airport managers, airline strategists, and transport policymakers by grounding critical investment decisions in robust, empirical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)