In a big boost ahead of the fog season when flight disruptions peak, the Jaipur and Lucknow airports have been upgraded to CAT IIIB, which enables aircraft to land when the visibility is down to 50 metres.
Delhi is only other airport in the country that is CAT III B compliant.
“The task to upgrade Jaipur and Lucknow airport to ILS CAT-IIIB operations is accomplished by Airports Authority of India (AAI) on the assigned target date. With effect from December 8, Jaipur and Lucknow airports have become CAT-IIIB compliant airports,” AAI said in a statement.
Earlier Jaipur Airport was equipped with ILS, precision approach CAT-I and with this procedures aircraft were able to land when Runway Visual Range of 550m or more.
Lucknow airport was equipped with ILS precision approach CAT-II and under this procedure aircraft were only able to land with Runway Visual Range is 300M or more.
“With the implementation of ILS CAT-IIIB operations from Jaipur and Lucknow airports, aircraft will face less delay or cancellation of flight during the winter fog season. The problem faced by passengers during fog period would be reduced with the new upgraded CAT-IIIB system which fully supports continued flight operations and ground movement of aircraft during periods of low visibility (when RVR is as low as 50m),” AAI said.
“By upgrading the Jaipur and Lucknow airports to CAT-IIIB level, the traffic bound for IGI airport can now be diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow during the peak foggy season which, in turn, will lessen the burden at IGI airport as well,” it said.