Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport enhances runway with CAT III capability for all-weather operations

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) has commissioned CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) capability for Runway 09R at Hyderabad International Airport, upgrading from CAT II to CAT III.

The enhancement includes CAT III-compliant runway lighting, advanced monitoring systems, and Stand Manoeuvring Guidance Lights (SMGL) to provide improved pilot guidance and airfield safety.

An indigenously developed PLC-SCADA-based solution has been implemented to enable centralised monitoring and control of lighting systems from the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC).

The upgraded capability is expected to reduce weather-related flight diversions and delays, improving schedule reliability and offering a more dependable travel experience, especially during winter fog season.

Hyderabad Airport handles an average of over 550 flight movements daily, with operations supported by the new CAT III capability to function in significantly lower visibility conditions.

The commissioning aims to bolster operational continuity for airlines during adverse weather and to support smoother journeys for passengers in all-weather operations.