Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to achieve a significant milestone with the anticipated full operational status of all four runways in the first week of January 2024. Re-carpeting efforts on Runway 28/10 are nearing completion, awaiting the final checks by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over this weekend.
Regulatory Approval Imminent
Official sources indicate that the DGCA‘s pending inspection is expected to conclude this week, paving the way for regulatory approval and subsequent operational readiness of Runway 28/10.
CAT-III Compliance Boost
With the reopening of Runway 28/10, the number of CAT-III-compliant runways at Delhi Airport will increase, contributing to improved flight scheduling capabilities.
Addressing Recent Challenges
The closure of Runway 28/10 for scheduled re-carpeting since mid-September aimed at enhancing infrastructure and is expected to address recent challenges faced by passengers due to delays and diversions caused by dense fog in Delhi.
Impact on Flight Diversions
The recent operational challenges, particularly during dense fog, have led to increased flight diversions. A notable portion of diversions, specifically 50 out of 58 between December 25th and 28th, were attributed to pilots lacking CAT-III training.
CAT-III Training Importance
The significance of CAT-III training for pilots is underscored, as it equips them to safely land aircraft in dense fog conditions with visibility as low as about 100 meters. The completion of Runway 28/10’s re-carpeting aligns with efforts to enhance safety and efficiency in adverse weather conditions.
(With ANI Inputs)