Hyderabad airport upgrades to CAT III capability on Runway 09R to reduce winter fog-related flight delays

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has upgraded the lighting system on Runway 09R to Category III (CAT III) standards, allowing aircraft to operate in much lower visibility conditions. The upgrade is expected to help the airport handle winter fog better and minimise weather-related flight disruptions.

Moving from CAT II to CAT III capability will help reduce flight diversions and delays, improve schedule reliability and ensure smoother operations during poor visibility, airport authorities said.

“Aligned with the airport’s vision of leveraging advanced infrastructure and technology, the enhancement enables safe and efficient operations during extremely low visibility conditions, reducing weather-related disruptions and improving schedule reliability. For passengers, this means fewer delays, smoother journeys, and a more dependable travel experience”, said Kadhir Kadhiravan, CEO of the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited.

As part of the upgrade, the airport has strengthened its runway lighting system to meet CAT III requirements and installed advanced monitoring systems and Stand Manoeuvring Guidance Lights. These additional lights help pilots manoeuvre aircraft safely on the airfield when visibility is poor.

The airport has also introduced an indigenously developed Programmable Logic Controller-based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. It allows the airport to monitor and control airfield lighting systems centrally from the Airport Predictive Operation Centre, helping improve efficiency and manage airside infrastructure.