The Kalaburagi Airport recently upgraded its air navigation capabilities by inaugurating a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) on Thursday.
This upgrade is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations, especially during adverse weather conditions such as rain and low cloud cover. The inauguration was led by R. Divakar, Joint General Manager of Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Chennai, who is a recognised expert in navigational systems. During the ceremony, Divakar emphasised the importance of the ILS in ensuring safe aircraft operations during challenging weather scenarios. He stated that this system marks a critical advancement in air navigation services, providing essential guidance for landing approaches, especially at night, during poor weather, and in low visibility conditions.
The ILS is a precision radio navigation system that offers critical data to aircraft for landing approaches, enhancing operational safety and reliability. Its installation at Kalaburagi Airport is anticipated to lead to an increase in flight operations, thereby improving connectivity and promoting economic growth in the region. The new system is expected to attract more airlines and flights to Kalaburagi, facilitating better connectivity for passengers and contributing to the regional economy’s overall development. The precision and reliability offered by the ILS will also bolster the airport’s capacity to handle more flights under varied weather conditions, thereby increasing its operational efficiency.
“Traditionally, pilots rely on visual confirmation of the runway before initiating landing procedures. However, poor visibility due to fog or bad weather can significantly hinder this process. Previously, a minimum visibility of 5 km was mandatory for landing under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The ILS effectively reduces this requirement to 800 m, allowing for safe landing during challenging weather conditions,” Kalaburagi Airport Director Mahesh Chilka said.
This strategic enhancement is part of a broader effort by the AAI to modernise and upgrade airport infrastructure across the country, ensuring that air travel remains safe, reliable, and efficient. The inauguration of the ILS at Kalaburagi Airport represents a significant milestone in this ongoing initiative, underscoring the commitment to adopting advanced technologies in aviation. The introduction of the Instrument Landing System at Kalaburagi Airport is a transformative step towards improving air travel safety and operational efficiency, fostering greater connectivity, and supporting regional economic growth.
