Why foggy Australian airports are trickier for pilots than overseas ones

Foggy conditions dramatically affect Australian air traffic by reducing runway capacity and slowing take-offs and landings. A notable quirk is that many Australian runways are used for both takeoffs and landings, which, in fog, halves traffic flow. Controllers must maintain greater spacing between arrivals, and pilots must plan for extended holds and fuel needs. Depending on forecast and crew decisions, holds can range from 20 to 40 minutes to manage queues, as flights into fog-affected airports hold or divert. International flights may pre-order fuel up to 20 hours before landing, complicating pre-departure planning for long-haul journeys.