Noida Airport News: Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, has reached a significant milestone with the calibration of advanced equipment that is only available at a handful of airports globally. The newly added systems will enable flight operations even in challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain and dense fog, further enhancing the airport's capabilities.
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) have been integrated at the airport, marking a technological leap that will improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations. The installation process, which began last week, has been successfully completed by the Airport Authority of India in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This development adds to the growing list of accomplishments for the airport, set to become a critical hub for air travel in the region.
Enhanced Safety For Rain And Fog Conditions
A senior DGCA official explained that the integration of ILS and PAPI will allow for smooth flight operations during adverse weather conditions, especially during periods of dense fog and heavy rain. This advanced technology, which is now operational at Noida International Airport, is only available at a select few airports worldwide.
The ILS and PAPI are both crucial technologies used in aviation to enhance the safety and precision of aircraft landings, particularly in adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or low visibility.
A statement issued by the Noida International Airport authorities explained that the ILS is a ground-based navigation system that provides highly accurate guidance to aircraft approaching a runway. It consists of two main components — localiser, which provides lateral guidance that helps the aircraft stay aligned with the centerline of the runway, and glide path antenna, which provides vertical guidance, ensuring that the aircraft approaches the runway at the correct angle and descent rate.
The ILS system sends radio signals to the aircraft's onboard instruments, which guide the pilot (or autopilot system) to land safely, even in poor visibility conditions like fog, rain, or during night landings. The precision of ILS allows for smooth, controlled descents that minimise the risk of accidents.
PAPI, meanwhile, is a visual aid located on the side of the runway that helps pilots maintain the correct approach angle during the final stage of landing. It uses a series of lights, typically four, that change colour (from white to red) depending on the aircraft’s position relative to the ideal glide path.
PAPI is most effective in good-to-moderate visibility but can also be useful during daylight landings or marginal weather conditions. It helps pilots make small adjustments to their descent angle and ensures they approach the runway safely.
While both systems serve different purposes, their integration offers several key advantages, such as improved landing accuracy and enhanced low-visibility operations.
The integration of both systems at Noida International Airport means that pilots will have access to the highest levels of precision for landing, which is particularly beneficial during the region’s winter fog and monsoon rains.
The Noida International Airport said a Beech King Air 360ER from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) began the calibration process on October 10, and the process concluded on October 14.
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Construction Progress And Future Plans
Originally, the Noida International Airport was scheduled to commence commercial operations in December 2024. However, due to minor delays in construction, the first flights are now expected to take off in April 2025. Despite this slight setback, test flights are set to begin in December 2024, ensuring that the airport will be ready for full-scale operations by the new deadline.
The airport has already completed a significant portion of its construction work. When fully operational, it will not only serve domestic routes but also become a key international travel hub.
Once completed, Noida International Airport is poised to become the fifth-largest airport in the world, capable of handling a vast number of flights to and from international destinations. The airport is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting connectivity and economic growth in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport on November 26, 2021, and it has since progressed at a steady pace, despite minor construction delays.