Planes landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport face engine wear risks due to dust ingestion, averaging 6.6 grams per arrival. A recent study suggests that shifting flights to nighttime could reduce this dust ingestion by more than 30%, potentially mitigating the accelerated engine wear caused by glassy deposits and mineral crusts inside engines.
Planes landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport ingest an average of 6.6 grams of dust per arrival, posing a significant risk of engine wear, according to a new study.
Researchers suggest that shifting flights to nighttime could reduce this dust ingestion by over 30%.
The study, published in the journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, analyzed 17 years of ECMWF atmospheric data and CALIPSO satellite data to measure dust ingested by planes at major airports worldwide. The highest dust ingestion rates were found at airports near the Sahara desert, the Middle East, and Northern India, where dry and hot conditions often lead to large dust storms.
Delhi Airport topped the list during the summer, with planes ingesting an average of 6.6 grams of dust per arrival before the monsoon season and 4.4 grams upon departure. Dubai and Niamey, Niger followed closely, with planes ingesting 4.3 grams and 4.7 grams per arrival, respectively. In contrast, planes landing in Beijing ingested an average of 2.9 grams of dust.
Dr. Claire Ryder from the University of Reading, the lead author of the study, explained, “Dust and sand pose significant dangers to aircraft as they melt to form glassy deposits on blades or hard mineral crusts inside engines, disrupting airflow and causing overheating, which leads to accelerated engine wear.”
Though individual dust ingestion amounts per flight may seem small, they accumulate rapidly. A plane ingesting five grams of dust per arrival and departure will consume 10 kilograms of dust over 1,000 flights. More dust is ingested when planes are at lower altitudes while waiting to land, although local weather conditions that affect the height of dust plumes in the atmosphere also play a role.
“Climate change may increase dust levels as temperatures rise and deserts expand, but this is uncertain. Current climate models do not provide a consensus on whether global warming will result in a dustier world since dust emissions depend on numerous factors like soil moisture, precipitation, surface wind patterns, and vegetation cover,” Dr Ryder noted. “Ongoing research at the University of Reading aims to improve the ability of climate models to predict dust emissions and transport through the atmosphere.”
Impact of Holding Patterns
The study found that aircraft ingest more dust while performing holding patterns—formations assumed by planes while waiting for landing permission. The greatest dust ingestion occurs at one-kilometre low holding patterns, where peak dust concentrations are found.
For instance, during the summer at Delhi airport, holding patterns at a one-kilometre altitude contribute to 50% of total dust ingestion. Adjusting the holding pattern altitude away from these dusty layers could reduce dust ingestion by 41%.
The researchers also recommend adjusting flight schedules to avoid peak dust times. Moving flights at Delhi and Dubai to nighttime could reduce engine dust ingestion by more than 30%.
Airports Studied
The study included data from the following airports:
- Phoenix, USA
- Canary Islands
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Niamey, Niger
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Delhi, India
- Beijing, China
- Hong Kong
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Sydney, Australia
The finding that planes landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport ingest an average of 6.6 grams of dust per arrival is quite alarming. This amount of dust, while seemingly small, can cause substantial damage to aircraft engines over time.
Potential Implications
- Engine Wear and Tear: Dust particles’ abrasive nature can accelerate engine component wear, decreasing engine life and increasing maintenance costs.
- Reduced Engine Efficiency: Dust buildup can clog engine components, hindering airflow and reducing engine performance.
- Safety Risks: Severe engine damage due to dust ingestion can pose a significant safety risk to aircraft and passengers.
- Environmental Impact: Increased engine wear and reduced efficiency can lead to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions.
It’s crucial for aviation authorities, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers to collaborate to find effective solutions to this problem and ensure the safety and longevity of aircraft operating at Delhi Airport.
