In January 2024, major airports across India faced significant flight disruptions due to adverse weather conditions exacerbated by smog. Hyderabad Airport saw a surge in international flights diverted from various destinations, while Chennai Airport experienced visibility dropping to as low as 100 metres, leading to flight cancellations nationwide.
The incident has highlighted concerns about the adequacy of existing Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and the urgency to deploy advanced technologies at major Indian airports. The Airports Authority of India has initiated the commissioning and upgrading of the latest ILS categories at several airports to enhance air navigation services infrastructure.
ILS, a standard International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) precision landing aid, offers precise lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft for landing under normal or adverse weather conditions. Aviation experts emphasize the necessity for swift action in this regard.
Notably, there is a growing demand for advanced ILS even at airports traditionally unaffected by fog but experiencing visibility challenges due to increased pollution or smog. This underscores the critical need for modernization and technological advancements across India’s airport infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient air travel operations.
