Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport has achieved a significant milestone in aviation safety by activating advanced landing systems on both ends of its primary runway, ensuring smooth flight operations during the challenging winter season when dense fog often disrupts schedules.
Dual-End CAT-III ILS Activation
The airport officially commissioned the Category III Instrument Landing System (CAT-III ILS) from the northern approach near Madhyamgram at 5:30 AM on Thursday. This crucial upgrade complements the existing CAT-III system already functional from the New Town approach, creating comprehensive coverage for aircraft approaching from either direction.
An airport official confirmed the development, stating: "CAT-III ILS was made operational on runway 19L at 5:30 am on Thursday. This will strengthen air navigation accuracy and operational efficiency." The previous system at the Madhyamgram end was CAT-II ILS, which only permitted operations with visibility up to 350 meters, significantly higher than the new threshold.
Transforming Winter Flight Operations
This dual-system capability marks a revolutionary improvement for Kolkata's aviation infrastructure. The advanced CAT-III ILS technology enables aircraft to land safely even when visibility drops to just 50 meters, a common occurrence during Kolkata's winter mornings when dense fog blankets the region.
Aviation experts emphasize that having updated navigational aids on both runway ends guarantees seamless landing operations regardless of changing weather patterns or shifting wind directions. Typically, winter winds flow from north to south, directing landings from the New Town end, but climate variations can alter this pattern unexpectedly.
Enhanced Flexibility and Efficiency
Pilots operating regular routes to Kolkata have welcomed the upgrade, noting it substantially improves the airport's operational reliability. One veteran pilot explained the practical benefits: "If visibility decreases due to fog or heavy rain, flights can continue operating irrespective of wind direction. Since aircraft land against the wind, the airport can change operational direction according to wind changes without visibility concerns."
Another pilot highlighted the strategic advantage: "The flexibility of using either runway end enables Air Traffic Control to direct landings from the Madhyamgram approach when more flights arrive from northern sectors, and from the Rajarhat approach for southern arrivals." This dynamic allocation potentially improves runway utilization efficiency and reduces holding patterns.
The airport's secondary runway remains equipped with CAT I ILS from the Madhyamgram side only, with no ILS available from the opposite end due to obstruction from a mosque that prevents installation of necessary equipment. Even from the operational approach, aircraft must touchdown 88 meters farther due to this structural constraint.
This comprehensive upgrade positions Kolkata Airport among India's better-equipped aviation facilities for handling adverse weather conditions, promising travelers more reliable winter schedules and enhanced safety standards during the fog season.
