Imphal: AAI’s Imphal International Airport has stepped up preparations for the winter fog season, holding a high-level fog preparedness meeting on Friday to reduce flight disruptions and ensure safe, orderly operations during low-visibility conditions.

Chaired by Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, the meeting brought together officials from the India Meteorological Department, CISF, AAI department heads, and airline station managers. IMD Imphal Scientist D K Ambethkar and CISF CASO Kiran Khade were among those present.

Here’s what matters. The discussion centred on coordination, readiness, and quick decision-making during foggy conditions, with a clear focus on passenger convenience. Officials reviewed operational protocols, weather inputs, and contingency planning to keep diversions and cancellations to a minimum.

Imphal International Airport currently operates with a Category I Instrument Landing System, supported by full airfield ground lighting infrastructure. This includes PAPI, SALS, guard lights, and other aeronautical lighting systems that allow aircraft to operate safely in reduced visibility. Under CAT I ILS norms, landings can take place with visibility of 800 metres or Runway Visual Range of 550 metres, as per regulatory standards.

Operational capability has been further strengthened with the commissioning of a transmissometer that provides real-time RVR data. The system has been fully functional since July 2024 and plays a key role in decision-making by air traffic controllers and flight crews during adverse weather.

In a significant boost to winter operations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recently approved Low Visibility Procedures for the airport. With LVP in place, aircraft departures can now be conducted with RVR as low as 400 metres, subject to compliance with safety and technical requirements.

The Airport Director informed the meeting that all critical systems are functional and readiness-certified. Standard operating procedures for fog management are firmly in place to ensure continuity of operations through the winter months.

Passenger facilitation was another key focus. The airport has arranged additional seating, ensured availability of food, beverages, essential medicines, and sanitary items, and strengthened the flow of real-time flight information. Coordination has also been completed with taxi operators and nearby hotels to handle weather-related contingencies smoothly.

To tighten coordination, an inter-departmental communication group has been set up for real-time decision-making. A dedicated Operations Control Room has also been established at AAI Imphal to provide immediate assistance. The control room can be reached at 9402880368.

Reinforcing the airport’s readiness, Keishing said a full-scale mock exercise involving all stakeholders has already been conducted. He stressed that cancellations and diversions should be avoided as far as possible, assuring airlines of full operational and logistical support. It was also agreed that scheduled flights would be prioritised over diverted flights to protect passenger interest and maintain operational discipline.

The meeting ended with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly operations at Imphal International Airport throughout the winter fog season.