Face2News/Ludhiana
MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora has written to the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu requesting to make CAT II/III Certified Runways Mandatory for all airports.
In a letter addressed to the Minister today, Arora mentioned that he wanted to draw his attention towards a matter of great concern regarding the safety and operational efficiency of airports across India, specifically in relation to Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and the certification of runways under Category II/III standards.
Arora further mentioned that according to information in response to his Question in Parliament's last session, only 6 airports in India-namely Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, and Bengaluru-have one or more runways certified for CAT II/III operations. While more than 60 airports are equipped with CAT I ILS, the absence of CAT II/III systems at many airports has left them vulnerable to operational challenges during low-visibility and adverse weather conditions. The lack of CATII/III equipment s has contributed directly to several landing-related issues.
Arora further mentioned that according to information in response to his Question in Parliament's last session, only 6 airports in India-namely Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, and Bengaluru-have one or more runways certified for CAT II/III operations. While more than 60 airports are equipped with CAT I ILS, the absence of CAT II/III systems at many airports has left them vulnerable to operational challenges during low-visibility and adverse weather conditions. The lack of CATII/III equipment s has contributed directly to several landing-related issues.
Adding, he stated that given the increasing challenges posed by adverse weather conditions-such as fog, heavy rain, and reduced visibility-it is imperative that we take the initiative to ensure that all commercial airports in India are equipped with CAT-II/III systems. Such systems are vital for safe landings and preventing delays, particularly under low-visibility conditions. By implementing CAT II/III systems across all airports, we can significantly enhance aviation safety, reduce operational disruptions, and align with international best practices.
He requested the Minister to consider making it mandatory for all commercial airports in India to have CAT-II/III systems, in line with the suggestions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This measure would not only bolster India's aviation infrastructure but also ensure safer and timely air travel for all passengers, especially in adverse weather conditions.
It may be mentioned here that Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages a total of 137 Airports, which includes 103 Domestic Airports, 24 International Airports, and 10 Customs Airports