Aeolian dust as a transport hazard

► This paper examines official air transport incidents in Australia related to blowing dust. ► Over the 42 year period 1969-2010, there were 61 incidents connected to aeolian dust. ► Only 5% of incidents involved damage to aircraft or people, and there were no reported deaths. ► Almost two thirds of the dust-caused air safety issues related to navigational problems. ► Atmospheric dust represents at worst an inconvenience and economic cost to Australian aviation.