Hyderabad Airport Upgrades Runway to CAT III Capability to Reduce Fog-Related Flight Delays

IE Author — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 10:12:02 +0000

Source: ChatGPT

Flying in and out of Hyderabad during foggy weather could soon become easier. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has upgraded the lighting system on Runway 09R to provide CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) capability, transitioning from CAT II capability. The improved lights will support aircraft operations under extremely low-visibility conditions.

The Hyderabad Airport CAT III upgrade could also help reduce flight delays and diversions, especially during the winter months.

What Is the Hyderabad Airport CAT III Runway Upgrade?

Hyderabad Airport has improved the lighting on Runway 09R to support aircraft operations in lower-visibility conditions. The upgraded lights are designed to support CAT III low-visibility operations. Actual landings will also depend on the required airport and operational approvals, aircraft equipment and crew qualifications.

When visibility drops too low, flights may have to wait for the weather to improve. Sometimes, pilots must divert to another airport. With the upgraded lighting, CAT III-approved aircraft operated by suitably qualified crews may be able to land safely in lower visibility without waiting for the fog to clear. The airport has also added new monitoring systems to help staff monitor and control runway lighting and other airfield systems.

What Is CAT III and How Does It Help During Fog?

CAT III is a precision instrument approach and landing category that allows properly equipped aircraft to land when visibility is very low. It requires appropriate landing guidance systems, runway lighting and special low-visibility safety procedures. Compared to CAT II, CAT III allows approved aircraft and trained pilots to land in poorer visibility conditions. The airport must also meet the required safety standards and have the necessary approvals.

CAT II vs CAT III: What’s the Difference?

CAT II	CAT III
Supports precision landings in low-visibility conditions.	Supports precision landings in extremely low-visibility conditions.
Decision height is generally between 100 and 200 feet.	Decision height can be below 100 feet or there may be no decision height, depending on the CAT III category.
Requires an RVR of at least 350 metres under the AAI classification.	CAT IIIA requires an RVR of at least 200 metres, while CAT IIIB permits an RVR as low as 50 metres.
Uses approved landing guidance and lighting systems.	Requires more advanced landing guidance, lighting, aircraft capabilities and low-visibility procedures.

The biggest difference is how much visibility pilots need before landing. CAT III can help eligible aircraft land during thick fog, but it doesn’t mean every flight can operate in all weather conditions.

Key Features of Hyderabad Airport’s Runway 09R Upgrade

Hyderabad Airport has also added new technology to make it easier for staff to manage runway lights, especially during low-visibility conditions. Here are some of the changes:

Better runway lights: Runway 09R now has CAT III-compliant airfield lighting. These lights help support aircraft landings when visibility is low.
Improved monitoring: Airport staff can check the runway lights and quickly identify any equipment malfunctions.
Stand Manoeuvring Guidance Lights: These lights help guide aircraft during ground manoeuvring in low-visibility conditions.
PLC-based SCADA system: The airport has added an indigenously developed system using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. It allows staff to monitor and control airfield lights from one location.
Centralized control: Staff can manage the lighting system from the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC).

These changes make it easier for airport teams to keep an eye on the lights and support safe aircraft movements when the weather turns foggy.

How Will the CAT III Upgrade Benefit Passengers?

Fog can be a real headache for travelers. Flights may get delayed, and sometimes planes have to land at another airport. If you have a connecting flight, even a short delay can upset your plans. The Hyderabad Airport runway upgrade could help reduce some of these problems. Here’s how passengers may benefit:

Fewer delays: Some flights may be able to land even when visibility around the runway is very low.
Fewer diversions: Eligible aircraft may be able to land in Hyderabad instead of heading to another airport.
Better flight schedules: Airlines may be able to maintain more reliable flight schedules despite poor visibility.
Less hassle for travelers: Fewer disruptions could mean less waiting and fewer sudden changes to travel plans.

Still, fog isn’t the only reason flights get delayed. Other adverse weather conditions and operational safety requirements can also affect flights, even with the upgraded lighting system.

The Hyderabad Airport CAT III upgrade is good news for travelers, especially during winter when fog can affect flight schedules. With better runway lights and new monitoring systems, the airport hopes to reduce delays and make flying a little easier.

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