Unrest prevails in the atmosphere
Düsseldorf Airport is set to introduce a new system aimed at controlling interruptions due to lightning safely and efficiently. Starting in early August 2024, field mill sensors will be installed around the runways to detect and measure electric fields generated by lightning activity in the atmosphere.
These sensors, which provide reliable values directly from the airport area, will help initiate interruptions exactly when necessary and resume operations as soon as the lightning risk subsides. This real-time detection will enable the airport to manage lightning risks effectively, providing accurate early warnings of lightning in the vicinity.
The integration of these sensors' precise measurement values into the operational assessment of the Airport Duty Management aims to reduce delays or flight cancellations due to weather-related operational interruptions. In addition, the system will provide precise information on the formation of ice, snow, or slush, especially in winter, further improving operational efficiency.
In thunderstorm situations, quick decisions are crucial for safety. Christoph Müller, Airport Duty Manager at Düsseldorf Airport, emphasises the top priority of ensuring the safety of employees, passengers, and crew members. If a thunderstorm approaches the airport, coordinated measures are taken to orderly interrupt operations.
In the long term, a sensor system for detecting surface conditions on the runways is planned. The technology will also be supplemented by a comprehensive optical and acoustic warning system in a later expansion stage.
In 2024, over 209,000 lightning strikes were recorded in Germany, with over 19,000 of these strikes occurring in North Rhine-Westphalia. By July 2024, there were already more than 9,800 lightning strikes in Germany.
The use of field mill sensors is well-established in the aviation industry, with airports worldwide employing such sensors to monitor atmospheric electric fields to mitigate lightning risk. This is critical for safety and operational continuity in airside and terminal areas.
In conclusion, by enhancing its lightning hazard detection capability, Düsseldorf Airport is set to ensure safer operations and more efficient management of weather disruptions. This technology supports optimized operational continuity by enabling better planning and faster responses to lightning threats.
The introduction of field mill sensors at Düsseldorf Airport will not only help manage lightning risks effectively by providing accurate early warnings, but also aid in weather-forecasting by precisely determining the formation of ice, snow, or slush. By doing so, the airport aims to reduce delays or cancellations due to weather-related interruptions.
The use of field mill sensors, a well-established technology in the aviation industry, will complement the airport's weather-forecasting capabilities, ensuring safer and more efficient operations amidst weather disruptions.
