{"id":25108,"date":"2026-11-11T15:42:02","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T10:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=25108"},"modified":"2026-11-11T15:42:02","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T10:12:02","slug":"hyderabad-airport-cat-iii-runway-upgrade-reduce-flight-delays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/hyderabad-airport-cat-iii-runway-upgrade-reduce-flight-delays\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyderabad Airport Upgrades Runway to CAT III Capability to Reduce Fog-Related Flight Delays"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Hyderabad
Source: ChatGPT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hyderabad Airport CAT III upgrade could also help reduce flight delays and diversions, especially during the winter months.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the Hyderabad Airport CAT III Runway Upgrade?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is CAT III and How Does It Help During Fog?<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

CAT II vs CAT III: What’s the Difference?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
CAT II<\/b><\/td>\nCAT III<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supports precision landings in low-visibility conditions.<\/span><\/td>\nSupports precision landings in extremely low-visibility conditions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Decision height is generally between 100 and 200 feet.<\/span><\/td>\nDecision height can be below 100 feet or there may be no decision height, depending on the CAT III category.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Requires an RVR of at least 350 metres under the AAI classification.<\/span><\/td>\nCAT IIIA requires an RVR of at least 200 metres, while CAT IIIB permits an RVR as low as 50 metres.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses approved landing guidance and lighting systems.<\/span><\/td>\nRequires more advanced landing guidance, lighting, aircraft capabilities and low-visibility procedures.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Features of Hyderabad Airport’s Runway 09R Upgrade<\/b><\/h3>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n