The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute marked the 70th anniversary of its founding on 29 November 2024 in Bratislava. (source: TASR - Martin Baumann)
The situation at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) appears far more serious than previously suggested, Denník N reports, citing interviews with current employees.
One staff member told the newspaper that the operations of the Aviation Meteorological Service — responsible for providing weather data to pilots and navigators of civil, commercial and military aircraft — are now at risk. The source said the service is unable to function properly due to a strict financial cap imposed by the Environment Ministry.
"The Transport Authority, which regulates aviation meteorology under the Transport Ministry, is aware of the issue," the employee said. "A conditional withdrawal of the licence for forecasting and warning services in Slovak airspace is now likely."
According to the same source, the government has been informed of the crisis, which he described as a "scandal". Unless the matter is resolved swiftly, the institute could lose its ability to meet the legal requirements for operating the aviation meteorological service — potentially forcing the closure of Slovak airspace.
Problems at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute began to surface in April 2024, when Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS nom.) dismissed then-director Martin Benko without providing a reason. Nearly a year later, employees have begun to speak out, voicing criticism of the deteriorating conditions within the institution.
Climatologist Pecho resigns
At the end of March, climatologist Jozef Pecho stepped down from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) after nearly 15 years, citing what he described as a toxic workplace culture defined by intimidation, poor management and a disregard for scientific expertise. The institute, known for its role in weather forecasting, aviation safety and radiation protection, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
In a scathing public statement on social media, Pecho accused the institute's leadership of eroding professionalism and claimed the Environment Ministry, which oversees the institute, is either complicit or silently enabling the decline.
