Srinagar, Nov 25: Officials on Saturday that efforts are underway to install an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Srinagar Airport. This system will enhance the ability of planes to land even in low visibility conditions caused by fog or adverse weather.
Director Airports Authority of India (AAI) Srinagar, Javed Anjum said the current visibility limit for flight operations is 1000 meters. If visibility falls below this limit, flights are not operated to ensure safety. He expressed optimism that the installation of the advanced ILS would address these issues.
Anjum further said existing ILS-CAT 1 is already in place, and discussions are ongoing for the installation of ILS-CAT II. The current ILS operates with a visibility threshold of over 1000 meters, and the installation of CAT II is aimed at preventing airport closures due to limited visibility.
“Our objective is always to ensure minimum disruption to the flight operations. Necessary steps to ensure that all operations are conducted in a safe and secure manner,” he added.
Upon the completion of the advanced ILS system installation, the visibility threshold is expected to increase to 800 meters. This enhancement is anticipated to improve flight operations during the winter, minimizing disruptions that occurred in previous winters.
The advanced ILS project is being carried out under the Indian Air Force’s “Modernization of Airport Facilities and Infrastructure (MAFI)” scheme.
Last year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture noted dissatisfaction with the government for the absence of the latest ILS CAT-II or CAT-III at Srinagar International Airport. The committee emphasized that flight delays and cancellations at the airport were attributed to the lack of these facilities.
Over the past two years, authorities have installed a range of modern equipment at Srinagar airport for the purpose of air navigation of aircraft, passenger safety, and security.
The collaborative effort aims to foster a seamless exchange of intelligence, playing a pivotal role in addressing emerging challenges and ensuring a proactive response to potential threats. The meeting highlighted the critical importance of coordination and cooperation among different security agencies, emphasizing the necessity for a united front in maintaining peace and stability in the Jammu region.
The participation of high-ranking officials from both the military and law enforcement sectors underscored the gravity of security concerns and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to addressing them with a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
