What is the main impact of thunderstorms on aviation operations?

The primary impact of thunderstorms on aviation operations is reduced visibility and turbulence. Thunderstorms are associated with severe weather conditions that can create hazardous flying environments. The heavy precipitation that often accompanies thunderstorms can significantly limit visibility for pilots, making it difficult to navigate and land safely. Additionally, thunderstorms are characterized by strong winds, gust fronts, and turbulent air currents, which can pose challenges during takeoff, flight, and landing.

These conditions can also lead to severe turbulence, potentially leading to difficulty in maintaining stable flight and increasing the risk of accidents. Pilots must be vigilant in avoiding thunderstorms, employing weather radar and other tools to navigate around these dangerous areas. As a result, the presence of thunderstorms necessitates careful flight planning and can lead to flight delays or route changes to ensure passenger safety.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the impacts of thunderstorms. For instance, increased fuel efficiency and improved flight conditions are generally not associated with thunderstorms, and stable atmospheric conditions are typically absent during such severe weather events.