Malaysia's CAAM urges vigilance for Tropical Storm Senyar safety

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a critical advisory, urging all aviation stakeholders to maintain heightened vigilance and prioritize safety in response to Tropical Storm Senyar. The storm, currently active over the Straits of Malacca, presents an uncommon meteorological phenomenon for Malaysia due to its equatorial position, necessitating immediate and continuous operational awareness across the civil aviation sector.

CAAM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Norazman Mahmud emphasized that continuous monitoring of Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) advisories and strict adherence to CAAM guidance are paramount. Tropical Storm Senyar is moving east-southeast towards the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, bringing with it a combination of extreme wind shear, intense convective activity, heavy precipitation, lightning, rapidly shifting pressure systems, and significantly reduced visibility. These conditions pose serious risks to flight safety across all operational phases, particularly during take-off, approach, and landing.

Pilots and air traffic controllers must contend with strong wind gradients and unpredictable directional shifts, which can lead to moderate to severe turbulence. Microburst events present critical hazards during take-off and landing, while heavy precipitation and cloud cover necessitate increased reliance on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures. Furthermore, electrical storm hazards, including lightning, threaten aircraft systems, aerodrome infrastructure, and ground personnel, especially during critical refuelling operations.

Beyond airborne risks, the adverse conditions are expected to disrupt ground handling, passenger movements, and ramp safety. CAAM has instructed aerodrome operators to ensure drainage systems, emergency response teams, and backup power systems are fully operational. The advisory underscores the collective responsibility of all aviation entities to implement enhanced precautionary safety measures to safeguard operational continuity and prevent incidents during the storm's duration from November 27 to 29.