- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the operator of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, has announced that the country's busiest airport is fully prepared to handle winter operations with minimal disruption. Leveraging next-generation artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and significant infrastructure upgrades, DIAL claims to have made the airport effectively "fog-proof."
High-Tech Operations Centre (APOC)
To streamline management during critical weather conditions, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC) has been established.
Integration: The centre integrates real-time weather data, air traffic conditions, and ground operations onto a single platform.
Efficiency: This integration allows for decision-making in seconds, leading to optimal runway utilisation, faster gate allocation, and greater precision in flight sequencing.
Advanced Weather Prediction (WIFEX)
In a significant technological leap, Delhi Airport has integrated a forecasting model from the Winter Fog Experiment (WIFEX), developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
Accuracy: The model boasts an accuracy rate of up to 85 per cent.
Early Warning: It can predict dense fog up to 36 hours in advance.
Pilot Project: As part of a pilot project, this data is now integrated into the airport's system, enabling airlines, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and ground staff to prepare well ahead of time.
Runway Upgrades And CAT-III Capability
Infrastructure improvements have significantly boosted the airport's capacity to handle low-visibility scenarios.
Full Coverage: All three main runways—11L/29R, 11R/29L, and 10/28—are now equipped with CAT-III Instrument Landing Systems at both ends.
Zero Visibility Landings: The recent upgrade of Runway 10/28 (Dwarka side) allows for safe landings even in zero visibility, facilitating up to 30 landings per hour.
Faster Recovery: Consequently, the recovery time required to resume normal operations after fog conditions has been drastically reduced from six hours to just two.
Official Statement
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, Chief Executive Officer of DIAL, emphasised the airport's readiness. He stated that while fog is a natural phenomenon, its impact on passengers will be minimised through these technological advancements and preparations. He assured that this winter, Delhi Airport will be not only safe but also the most reliable.
