Mangaluru International Airport has taken a significant step to enhance landing safety by installing a Precision Approach Category I (CAT-I) lighting system. This advanced system is designed to provide pilots with improved visual guidance during the critical final stages of landing, particularly under conditions of reduced visibility at the tabletop facility.
Enhanced Safety for Tabletop Airport
The CAT-I system is crucial for the Mangaluru airport, which is situated on a plateau and requires precise landing procedures. The lighting system assists pilots in aligning with the runway and maintaining the correct glide path, even in fog, rain, or low cloud cover. This upgrade is expected to reduce the risk of accidents and improve operational reliability.
Technical Specifications
The system includes approach lights, runway edge lights, and threshold lights, all calibrated to meet international standards. It enables aircraft to land with a decision height of 200 feet and a runway visual range of 550 meters. This makes the airport more resilient to weather disruptions, minimizing flight delays and diversions.
Airport officials stated that the installation was completed ahead of schedule and underwent rigorous testing. The system is now fully operational, benefiting both domestic and international flights. Passengers can expect smoother operations and enhanced safety, especially during the monsoon season when visibility is often compromised.
This initiative aligns with the Airports Authority of India's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring world-class safety standards. Mangaluru Airport joins other major Indian airports in adopting CAT-I technology, reinforcing its role as a key aviation hub in Karnataka.
