Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport has successfully commissioned the Precision Approach Lighting (PAL) Category-I system for Runway 24 following approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a major milestone in enhancing operational safety and landing precision.
The PAL Category-I system provides pilots with enhanced visual guidance during the critical final stages of landing, particularly under conditions of reduced visibility at the tabletop airport. With the commissioning of the system, the airport has further strengthened its commitment to safe, reliable and efficient aircraft operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
The project is considered one of the most unique airfield lighting installations in India and the first of its kind in the country. It is also only the second such facility in Asia, placing Mangaluru International Airport among a select group of airports equipped with this advanced infrastructure.
Unique engineering feat
The approach lighting system features Airfield Lighting Intelligent Management Systems (ALIMS) mounted on specially engineered towers extending 900 metres from the runway threshold.
Many of these towers rise higher than the iconic Qutub Minar, reflecting the scale and engineering complexity involved in the project.
The installation includes 17 elevated lattice structures supporting precision approach lights. Each structure consists of a barrette equipped with four lights and a sequential flashing light positioned at the centre. The barrette can be lowered to ground level for maintenance, making inspections and repairs safer and more efficient.
Zero-accident project execution
A significant achievement of the project was the maintenance of a zero-accident record throughout the construction phase.
Airport authorities said the accomplishment highlights the organisation’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, planning and project execution while undertaking a complex infrastructure project.
Enhancing aviation safety
The newly commissioned PAL Category-I system offers several operational and safety advantages.
The system improves runway visibility by providing pilots with clear visual references during approaches in low-visibility conditions such as rain, fog and haze.
It also enhances situational awareness by enabling more accurate alignment with the runway centreline during landing.
Given the topographical characteristics of Mangaluru’s tabletop runway, the advanced lighting system significantly improves pilot confidence and approach stability.
The enhanced visual cues are expected to reduce the number of go-arounds and diversions, thereby improving operational efficiency and minimising disruptions to flight schedules.
Additionally, integration with the Airfield Lighting Intelligent Management System allows centralised monitoring and efficient management of airport lighting infrastructure.
Strengthening airside infrastructure
The PAL Category-I system complements a series of airside enhancements undertaken by the airport, including upgrades to runway lighting and safety infrastructure.
Airport officials said the development aligns with the airport’s long-term vision of becoming one of the safest tabletop airports in India.
“The commissioning of the PAL system reflects the airport’s continuous focus on adopting advanced technologies to enhance aviation safety and passenger confidence,” an airport spokesperson said.
The new system is expected to further strengthen Mangaluru International Airport’s operational capabilities while ensuring safer and more efficient aircraft movements, particularly during challenging weather conditions.