DGCA approves flight operations at low visibility at Gondia airport
Flights can now operate in low visibility conditions to and from Gondia airport in Maharashtra, with aviation regulator DGCA approving special VFR operations at the airport. The move is part of efforts aimed at addressing the issue of flight delays and cancellations due to low visibility at small airports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Wednesday.
This is the second time that the watchdog has approved commencement of special VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations at a small airport.
On November 15 last year, the DGCA had given its nod to IndiGo for similar operations to and from Deoghar airport in Jharkhand.
IndiGo has received the approval for its ATR 72-600 type of aircraft for special VFR operations to and from the Gondia airport.
«Special VFR operations refer to operating in weather conditions where the visibility is less than the minimum visibility criteria for VFR operations i.e.
5,000 metres.
»The ATR 72-600 type of aircraft will now be able to take-off from and land at Gondia airport in reduced visibility up to 3,200 metres, thus enhancing availability of Gondia airport for flight operations," the regulator said in a statement on Wednesday.
It also said the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of IndiGo to conduct of special VFR operations at the Gondia airport has been approved after comprehensive evaluation of safety risk assessment and mitigation process.
