New Technology in Kolkata to Enable Seamless Aircraft Landings in Low Visibility Conditions
Kolkata, West Bengal — December 1, 2025
Kolkata Airport has recently implemented advanced technology designed to facilitate smoother and safer aircraft landings during periods of low visibility, marking a significant upgrade in the airport’s operational capabilities. This update comes as daily passenger traffic has surged by nearly 20% with the onset of winter, elevating the need for more reliable landing procedures amid challenging weather conditions like dense fog and mist common in the region during January and February.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with Dual-Side Instrument Landing System
Since January 4, 2018, Kolkata Airport has utilized a Category III-B Instrument Landing System (ILS) on the main runway, primarily catering to landings from the Rajarhat-New Town side. The newly introduced technology extends this state-of-the-art system to the opposite end of the main runway near Madhyamgram, close to the Jashore Road. This dual-ended ILS installation now allows aircraft to land efficiently even when visibility drastically falls, ensuring uninterrupted flight operations under adverse weather circumstances.
Addressing Visibility Challenges During Peak Winter Months
Visibility on airport runways is critical for safe aircraft landings and takeoffs. At Kolkata Airport, pilots traditionally require a minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR) of 550 meters to accurately gauge runway position before landing. However, during foggy winter days, visibility often dips below this threshold, occasionally dropping under 50 meters, causing disruptions and delays in flights.
The newly operational low-visibility procedures, facilitated by the enhanced ILS on both runway ends, allow approach and landing activities to continue effectively even when visibility decreases to as low as 300 meters. This "Low Visibility Procedure" involves continuous radio communication and navigational cue updates between the aircraft and air traffic control, helping pilots maintain precise alignment and descent paths to the runway.
Operational Benefits for Airlines and Air Traffic Control
With dual-end ILS coverage, the airport authorities expect a marked improvement in operational smoothness during fog or heavy rainfall. The technology enables better fuel efficiency as aircraft can approach and land without prolonged holding patterns or diversions, reducing overall fuel consumption. Additionally, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) benefits from enhanced command and real-time monitoring capabilities, ensuring safer and more orderly management of increased flight frequencies.
Although Kolkata’s secondary runway remains equipped with a Category I Instrument Landing System suitable for visibility levels no less than 550 meters, the main runway’s comprehensive ILS system now significantly boosts the airport’s resilience to weather-related operational hindrances.
Preparedness and Training for Optimal Use
To fully leverage the advantages of this upgraded system, ongoing pilot training is essential, particularly in mastering radio-signal-based aircraft positioning and following specialized approach protocols under low-visibility conditions. The airport authority emphasizes the critical role of such advanced procedures in maintaining on-schedule operations despite unfavorable weather patterns common to the winter and monsoon seasons.
As Kolkata Airport embraces this technological advancement, passengers and airlines alike can look forward to enhanced reliability and safety in air travel, cementing the facility’s status as a major metropolitan aviation hub equipped to meet rising demands efficiently, regardless of weather challenges.
Reported by Firoz Islam
Source: Anandabazar Patrika (Print Edition)
