To counter fog, Srinagar airport needs ‘compatible approach lights

The disruption of flights from Srinagar International Airport has almost become a norm during poor weather conditions in the Valley.
Though most people, including the state’s politicians blame lack of advanced instrumentation landing system (ILS) at the airport, however, the fact is that the airport is already fitted with one of the most advanced and sophisticated ILS, like the one which is fitted at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
What is needed to enable flight landing or take off from Srinagar International Airport during poor visibility due to fog and haze is installation of ‘compatible approach lights’, points out Director of the Airports Authority of India at Srinagar RK Shinde.
“It is a misconception that Srinagar Airport lacks ILS or has an outdated ILS technology,” he said.
On Wednesday, MP and ruling Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also demanded installation of an advanced Instrumentation Landing System at the Srinagar airport. She said she would take up the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and the Defence Minister.
“For installing ‘compatible approach lights’, the Indian Air Force, which controls the airport, needs 1.5 km stretch of land, which unfortunately is not available on the present premises. The airport is located on a highland,” he said.
“There are only two choices. Either to shorten the length of the runway to make room for installing the ‘compatible approach lights’ over a stretch of 1.5 km or have an alternative site or location for the airport,” he said.