In response to the unpredictable weather patterns that often disrupt air travel across India, the upcoming Navi Mumbai international airport is set to inaugurate with a focus on bolstering operational resilience, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Employing advanced technologies, the airport features Category II (CAT-II) and Category III (CAT-III) runways, showcasing a dedication to handling low visibility scenarios caused by fog, rain, or snow.
The Master Plan of the Navi Mumbai airport designates the South runway as CAT-II and the North runway as CAT-III. CAT-III approaches enable aircraft landings in conditions of extremely low visibility, providing a runway visual range of 50-200 meters. In contrast, CAT-II offers a precision instrument approach with a runway visual range not less than 350 meters.
While fog is not a common occurrence in the Mumbai metropolitan region, the area faces challenges related to dense rainfall and changing climatic conditions. The incorporation of CAT-II and CAT-III runways at Navi Mumbai airport is strategically significant, enhancing runway operations and safety during adverse weather conditions.
Presently, only six airports in India are equipped with the capability to allow landings in conditions of extremely low visibility (CAT-III B conditions). The expansion of this technology aligns with broader initiatives to minimize disruptions caused by adverse weather, ensuring smoother landing and take-off procedures, particularly in the northern and western regions of the country.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights the evolving nature of this phenomenon, emphasizing the shift from having one CAT-III approved airport in 2014 (Delhi) to six airports, including Lucknow, Kolkata, Amritsar, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Delhi. The push for enabling CAT-II and CAT-III capabilities at various airports underscores a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.
The Navi Mumbai airport project, anticipated to be completed by the end of December, is expected to be operational for commercial flights by March 2025. The Adani Group, which holds a significant stake in Mumbai’s international airport, including the Navi Mumbai airport project, aims to establish a hub of excellence in aviation infrastructure, ensuring advanced technology adoption for a seamless travel experience.
As the aviation landscape evolves, the integration of CAT-II and CAT-III runways emerges as a pivotal step in fortifying India’s airports against weather-related disruptions, ensuring safe and efficient air travel.
