Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has been equipped with Category III (CAT III) Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) capability for its runway, strengthening its ability to handle flight operations during adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility.
The upgrade is expected to reduce weather-related flight delays, cancellations and diversions, besides improving schedule reliability. It marks an enhancement to the airport’s airside infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Hyderabad Airport handles an average of over 550 flight movements daily, depending on seasonal traffic. Flight diversions are relatively rare, as the city generally experiences favourable flying conditions. However, heavy monsoon downpours, severe thunderstorms and dense winter fog occasionally disrupt operations.
In June, six Hyderabad-bound flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s flight also faced weather-related diversion and landing issues.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Captain Pankaj, a pilot with a domestic airline, welcomed the upgrade, saying it would help minimise inconvenience to passengers, particularly those travelling for important commitments.
He said Hyderabad experiences shallow radiation fog during December and January, with visibility sometimes dropping to 75 metres.
“During the months of December and January, Hyderabad witnesses shallow radiation fog, with visibility dropping to 75 metres in winter. This will help in avoiding massive waves of weather-related flight diversions or cancellations for severe fog.”
Airport authorities said the introduction of CAT III capability was part of efforts to develop Hyderabad Airport into an all-weather aviation hub.
“Hyderabad airport in its journey towards becoming a future-ready, all-weather aviation hub with the introduction of CAT III capability. There will be fewer delays, smoother journeys, and a more dependable travel experience. Strengthening Hyderabad airport’s position as a globally benchmarked gateway committed to the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and service delivery.”
The upgrade is expected to improve operational reliability during periods of reduced visibility and minimise disruptions to passenger travel.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
