What is the main effect of adverse weather conditions on flight operations?

Adverse weather conditions primarily lead to potential flight delays and increased safety risks due to factors such as turbulence, low visibility, icing, and severe wind. These conditions can affect the aircraft’s performance and the pilots' ability to navigate safely, often necessitating precautionary measures like delaying departures, rerouting flights, or even grounding aircraft.

For instance, low visibility conditions may prevent landings or takeoffs, resulting in delays as air traffic control works to manage the flow of air traffic safely. Similarly, thunderstorms can pose dangers such as lightning and severe turbulence, which compel pilots to reroute or delay their flights to ensure safety.

In contrast, options like increased passenger comfort or reduced fuel consumption do not generally correlate with adverse weather. During poor weather, passengers often experience discomfort due to turbulence and extended waiting times. Moreover, adverse weather may lead to increased fuel consumption as aircraft maneuver around weather patterns or hold in a pattern, contradicting the notion of reduced fuel usage. Enhanced navigation accuracy also does not apply, as adverse weather often creates challenges that may actually degrade navigation systems and pilot situational awareness.