Hyderabad Airport upgrades Runway 09R for CAT III operations

GMR Hyderabad International Airport has commissioned CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting capability for Runway 09R, strengthening operations during low-visibility conditions. The upgrade is expected to reduce weather-related delays and diversions, particularly during the winter fog season, and improve schedule reliability.

Hyderabad: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) has commissioned CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) capability for Runway 09R at Hyderabad International Airport.

The upgraded capability will enable aircraft operations in significantly lower visibility conditions, helping reduce weather-related flight diversions and delays while ensuring a more reliable and seamless travel experience for passengers, particularly during the winter fog season.

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The transition from CAT II to CAT III capability strengthens Hyderabad Airport’s ability to maintain efficient flight operations during adverse weather conditions, improving schedule reliability and minimising disruptions caused by low visibility.

Kadhir Kadhiravan, Chief Executive Officer, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, said, “For passengers, this means fewer delays, smoother journeys, and a more dependable travel experience.”

To strengthen operations during low-visibility conditions, Hyderabad Airport has upgraded critical airfield systems, including CAT III-compliant runway lighting, advanced monitoring systems, and Stand Manoeuvring Guidance Lights (SMGL), which provide enhanced guidance for pilots and improve airfield safety.

An indigenously developed PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)-SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)-based solution has also been implemented, enabling centralised monitoring and control of lighting systems from the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC).