Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has invited reputed Original Equipment Manufacturers to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) for upgrading runway. Currently, the second runway at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is undergoing painting of runway and taxiway. Flight disruption due to fog is a major issue at Kempegowda International Airport, and the proposed upgrade intends to solve this issue.
The authorities plan to commence the proposed upgrading once the existing works on the second runway get completed. In the upgrade, the current track and its associated taxiway’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgrade from CAT-I to CAT-III.
Bangalore airport was facing issues related to fog, causing flight disruptions as the runway has only CAT-I ILS. Currently, a pilot of an approaching aircraft has to view the runway surface markings from a distance (Runway Visual Range – RVR) of more than 550 m (1,800 ft). The Decision Height (DH) should be taken at an altitude of over 60m. Once the runway is upgraded with CAT-III, the RVR can be dropped to 200m and DH can be lowered to less than 30m.
Besides, at Kempegowda International Airport, the visibility tends to drop to almost zero during early mornings in winter. This causes severe flight delays, and the passengers get stranded in the airport for hours.
The ongoing works of the second runway are expected to be closed by October. The painting of runways and taxiways are scheduled until July 25, 2019. Once the works are completed, the authorities from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct an inspection and approve commercial operations. Towards the end of September, the trial run will begin.
The second runway is equipped with ILS CAT-III-B and also allows the landing of Code F aircraft including Airbus-380. The runway is 4,000 m long, accompanied by dual-parallel taxiways and an Eastern crossfield taxiway.
Once both runways are upgraded, the airlines can introduce more aircraft from Bangalore airport.
