The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval for the installation of an Aeronautical Ground Lighting System at Shivamogga Airport, enabling night landing operations, according to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol. This move is a significant step toward upgrading the airport from its current Day-Visual Flight Rule (VFR) operations to support night-time flights.
However, Minister Mohol clarified that the DGCA has not yet received any proposals for the installation or commissioning of Navigational Aids and Instrument Approach & Landing (IAL) Procedures, which are also essential for the airport’s full upgrade to Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) and night landing operations.
The Minister highlighted that the provision of night landing facilities is determined by various factors, including demand from airlines, operational requirements, and socio-economic considerations. Airport operators decide on such upgrades based on the availability of land, commercial viability, and the willingness of airlines to operate at such airports.
Currently, Shivamogga Airport is licensed for VFR operations, which restricts flights to daylight hours under favorable weather conditions. To transition to night operations, the airport must install and commission a comprehensive lighting system, including runway edge lights, approach lights, and taxiway lights, among others.