Port Blair, Apr 21: 18th April 2024 at 5:30 AM was the historical moment for civil aviation in the Andman & Nicobar Islands. Instrument landing system (ILS) became operational at Veer Savarkar International Airport Port Blair. Indigo flight 6E 526 was the first flight to land using ILS approach at 6:29 AM under the command of Captain Jaya Kumar Munuswamy.
Operationalization of ILS has made the runway a precision approach runway and paved the path for civil aircraft operations at night, low visibility and bad weather conditions with safety. It will reduce flight diversions and enable the extension of aircraft operations time window.
Airport director Mr. Devendra Yadav said that it is an historical achievement in unlocking the true potential of the Airport; it is a strategic investment by Airports Authority of India for strengthening the air navigation infrastructure and elevating the safety of aircraft operations. It is just like a dream becoming reality. Airports Authority of India working on this project for the last 10 years. There were many challenges such as availability of land, logistics, pandemic and regulatory compliance. With our committed continuous efforts and perseverance, we have overcome all the challenges and today ILS is operational at Port Blair airport. The Airport Director has conveyed his sincere thanks to all the stakeholders involved to achieve this historical milestone.
ILS is revolutionary navigation aid it will revolutionise air travel in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, it will pave the way for smoother and safer flight operations during the low visibility, night and bad weather conditions. Considering the geographical location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ILS is a kind of necessity for safe flight operations.
Because of the weather conditions of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, there are significant flight diversions, which have cost implications to the airlines and inconvenience to the passengers. Flight diversion cost is also a factor contributing to high air fare for the region. It is expected that operationalisation of ILS may lead to reduction of air fare also.
Now it is the time for Airlines to come forward and schedule the flight operations to take the maximum advantage of the unlocked potential of Airport with operationalization of ILS and address the air travel needs of tourists and people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.