Wind shear, known in aviation as windshear, is particularly critical near the ground, as it can rapidly alter conditions during takeoff or approach. Recorded footage shows the effect on an aircraft attempting to operate at the Tenerife terminal.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has indicated that the airport's environment can be affected by the interaction of the northeast trade winds, Tenerife's relief, and wind changes near the terminal. Wind shear occurs due to a significant variation in wind direction or speed over a short distance.
For an aircraft, this phenomenon is crucial during takeoff and landing when the plane is close to the ground. A sudden wind change can alter indicated airspeed, lift, or approach trajectory. Crews are trained to apply safety procedures, including a missed approach maneuver if conditions do not allow for a safe landing.
Tenerife Sur airport is one of the most studied environments for this phenomenon in the Canary Islands. Aemet identifies this airport as unfavorable due to the interaction of trade winds and the island's orography, as well as the proximity of areas with different wind patterns. The incidence is higher between June and August.
Due to its characteristics, Tenerife Sur is equipped with specific systems to monitor wind shear. Aemet, Aena, and Enaire have instrumentation to detect these changes and provide information to controllers and crews, improving the prediction and management of these situations.
