Authorities implement LVP measures at Pune airport

Pune Airport has implemented low visibility procedures to enhance safety during winter fog, affecting flight operations but minimizing passenger inconvenience.

The airport administration has implemented low visibility procedures (LVP) to handle operational challenges during reduced visibility during winter. This will maintain safety and minimise inconvenience to passengers, said officials.

However, Runway 10 lacks this technology, prompting ATC to routinely instruct pilots to use runway 28 during foggy conditions. (HT)

Santosh Dhoke, airport director, said, “Fog often disrupts flight operations, which directly impacts passenger services. For passenger safety and to ensure that flight operations are affected as little as possible, we have conducted a review under our fog-management plan and implemented necessary precautionary measures.”

While runway 28 of Pune Airport is equipped with a CAT-II Instrument Landing System (ILS), allowing aircraft to land safely even when visibility drops to 300 metres. However, Runway 10 lacks this technology, prompting ATC to routinely instruct pilots to use runway 28 during foggy conditions.

“When runway visibility falls below 800 metres, ATC activates low visibility procedures, which restrict aircraft movement on runways and taxiways and increase separation gaps between aircraft and ground vehicles. Although these measures may cause delays, they significantly enhance operational safety, ensuring secure landings and take-offs in challenging weather conditions,” said Dhoke.