Chennai’s aviation sector faces a critical phase as the city’s main airport, Chennai International Airport, prepares for a three-month disruption in its Instrument Landing System (ILS) operations starting from June 19. The temporary shutdown at the Guindy-end of the airport’s primary runway, essential for precise landings during adverse weather and low visibility conditions, has prompted significant adjustments in flight protocols.
The decision by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to replace the existing ILS equipment necessitates the removal, installation, and calibration of new machinery. This upgrade aims to enhance signal strength and expand coverage, overcoming previous limitations imposed by land constraints. A notam (notice to airmen) issued by AAI alerts airlines and pilots to prepare for potential delays or diversions, particularly affecting long-haul flights dependent on automated ILS guidance for safe and efficient landings after extended flight durations.
Typically, flights predominantly utilize the Guindy-end of the runway until switching to the Pallavaram-end with the onset of sea breezes. However, unpredictable weather patterns, including strong winds and sporadic rainfall, underscore the critical reliance on ILS for navigating the main runway, which is often obstructed by approach path obstacles. Airlines and pilots now face the challenge of adapting to manual landing procedures, relying on air traffic controllers, Visual Omni-range (VOR), Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), and visual cues for safe landings. This shift not only increases the separation distance between incoming flights but also impacts runway utilization efficiency, potentially prolonging operational delays during peak hours.
The absence of ILS automation during the critical summer season underscores the urgency for swift completion of installation and calibration processes. Aviation experts emphasize the importance of minimizing disruption to flight schedules and ensuring safety protocols are rigorously upheld amidst heightened operational challenges. As Chennai International Airport navigates through this phase of infrastructure upgrade, stakeholders in the aviation industry advocate for proactive measures to mitigate the impact on flight operations. The temporary inconvenience, while necessary for technological advancement, underscores the critical need for timely completion and seamless integration of the new ILS system to maintain Chennai’s position as a pivotal hub in South India’s air transport network.
