Latest news with #ILS
The South African
12 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Major revamp coming to YOUR nearest airport
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has unveiled a major infrastructure maintenance and expansion programme aimed at modernising and future-proofing the country's busiest airports. The ambitious upgrades are already underway across ACSA's nine airports, including OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka International. The wide-ranging initiative includes critical maintenance, safety enhancements, and major capital projects, with completion dates ranging from late 2025 to 2027. ACSA has prioritised essential infrastructure in its maintenance plan, including: Sewerage systems Ablution facilities (including accessible and baby-changing amenities) (including accessible and baby-changing amenities) Fire escapes Enhanced safety and hygiene protocols in high-traffic zones By way of example, at OR Tambo International Airport, one of the largest projects is the refurbishment of ablution facilities, which began in December 2024 and is set for completion by December 2025. 'This programme is a strong signal of ACSA's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,' said ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu. 'It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure.' A new 20-inch feeder line and Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to enhance supply reliability and Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to enhance supply reliability Backup power generators are being replaced to ensure uninterrupted fuel operations Ongoing structural refurbishments , control system upgrades, and canopy cover replacements , control system upgrades, and canopy cover replacements Completion targeted between November 2025 and 2026 Phased replacement of UPS units to bolster energy resilience of UPS units to bolster energy resilience Full rollout expected by 2026 Replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to resolve operational inefficiencies to resolve operational inefficiencies Several installations are already completed, with the programme concluding in 2027 Replacement of ILS and AWOS systems to ensure flight safety and weather accuracy and systems to ensure flight safety and weather accuracy Milestones targeted for end-2026 Includes HVAC upgrades, roof waterproofing, sprinkler system replacement, and airside improvements Overhaul of fuel receipt meters, hydrants, and booster pumps for safety and efficiency ACSA confirmed it is working closely with government, airlines, and commercial partners to ensure the smooth rollout of these infrastructure projects, with minimal disruption to travellers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Closure of runway to affect flight ops
New Delhi: From Sunday, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will temporarily shut one of its four runways, affecting 200 flights daily until Sept 15. The closure will result in 114 daily flight cancellations while the runway undergoes CAT-III specification upgrades to enhance its performance during heavy fog conditions. The airport administration previously announced that runway 28/10 would close from June 15 for improvements, impacting flight schedules. The closure of runway 28/10 aims to achieve CAT-IIIB compliance, improving operations during dense winter fog and upgrading the current instrument landing system (ILS). Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, Delhi International Airport Ltd, announced last week that while the enhancement works would take approximately three months, passengers would benefit during low-visibility conditions in the fog season. The administration worked with airlines to reorganise 86 daily flights and cancel 114 flights, with cancellations distributed equally between arrivals and departures during the closure period. Previous upgrades in April and May led to numerous flight delays. The situation worsened when the winds were easterly, reducing hourly landing capacity from 42 to 32 flights. Delhi airport's four runways (27/9, 28/10, 29R/11L, and 29L/11R) will operate differently during the closure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo DIAL confirmed that runway 29R/11L will handle departures, 29L/11R will manage arrivals, while runway 27/9 will accommodate both. During westerly winds, the three operational runways can handle 42 arrivals and departures hourly. However, during easterly winds, departures will remain the same at 42, but arrivals will reduce to 32 per hour. The airport, which typically handles 1,450 daily flights, will see 7.5% daily cancellations during the upgrade, compared to the usual 3.5%. Management indicates this increase won't significantly disrupt operations. Officials confirmed consultation with all stakeholders and redistribution of flights from peak to non-peak hours. DIAL assured minimal impact on major airport connections. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan airspace operating smoothly
Civil aviation officials say ILS limited to Lahore; no plans for entire country. PHOTO: FILE Despite rising tensions in the region, Pakistan's airspace remains fully operational and continues to be effectively used by international airlines, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority. In a statement released on Thursday, the authority confirmed that international flights are facing no obstacles while transiting through Pakistani airspace. "There are no disruptions in air traffic flow. All international and domestic flights are being managed smoothly and safely," the statement said. "The additional air traffic due to rerouting from nearby regions is being handled in a professional and routine manner," it added.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Airport to move BMC to remove obstructions on flight path
Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) authorities have again decided to urge Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut down three coconut trees on Nilakantheswar Temple premises in Jagamara and remove unauthorised structure that pose a threat to flights on their approach paths towards the airport here. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A nearby water body also attracts birds posing a similar threat. "The coconut trees and unauthorized structure come along the approach path of flights. We had taken up the issue with civic authorities and now we will make another request to carry out demolition," said BPIA director Prasanna Pradhan. "During landing and take off, birds that flutter out of the trees, fly close to the aircraft nose, fuselage, windshield, and engine. This can be dangerous for the aircraft and the flight may crash," an airport officials said. A team from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found these obstructions unfit to operationalise the instrument landing system (ILS) cat-2 on the runway and hence refused approval. "Until these obstructions are removed, DGCA nod can't be obtained," said Pradhan. BPIA authorities recently surveyed the area jointly with BMC, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), general administration department, and police. "Several shops, electricity poles, and shops also lie close to the approach line of runway-14, which infringe upon the approach light and obstacle-free zone (OFZ) of the airport," airport officials said. BMC commissioner Rajesh Patil said they would soon take steps to cut the trees if they are causing obstructions. "There is a dedicated committee for decisions on taking steps for safety of planes. The airport has let us know about some obstructions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We also jointly conducted a survey in which Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) is a party. All stakeholders need to cooperate," he told TOI. Recently, BPIA operationalised a parallel taxi track (PTT) and rapid exit taxiway (RET). The new twin facilities will enhance the airport's operational efficiency by enabling faster aircraft movement and reducing runway occupancy time. The additions will help minimise flight delays and passenger waiting time by allowing quick aircraft exit from the runway, airport officials said.
News18
12-06-2025
- General
- News18
This Pilot's Attempt To Win 'Blind Landing' Bet Killed 70 Passengers
Last Updated: On October 20, 1986, a domestic Aeroflot flight in the Soviet Union became the setting for one of the most senseless and shocking aviation tragedies in history As the tragic Ahmedabad – London Air India plane crash rekindles sorrow and raises new questions about aviation safety, the world is once again reminded of past flight disasters that remain etched in collective memory. Among them is a haunting incident from 1986, an accident not born out of mechanical failure or bad weather, but sheer human folly. On October 20, 1986, a domestic Aeroflot flight in the Soviet Union became the setting for one of the most senseless and shocking aviation tragedies in history. The cause? A reckless bet between two pilots in the cockpit. According to the official investigation, the captain of the flight, entrusted with the lives of 70 passengers, challenged his co-pilot to perform a 'blind landing" using only the aircraft's instrument systems, without any external visibility. To enforce the challenge, the captain ordered all cockpit windows to be covered, leaving the co-pilot to rely solely on the plane's Instrument Landing System (ILS), a technology not intended to substitute for trained visual coordination in unpredictable real-world conditions. What was initially treated as a daring experiment quickly spiraled into catastrophe. Unable to correctly align the aircraft for landing without any visual references, the co-pilot failed to reach the runway. The aircraft slammed into the ground short of its target, killing all 70 people on board. The crash sent shockwaves across the Soviet Union and the aviation world. It wasn't just an accident; it was a failure of judgment, professionalism, and protocol. Experts later emphasised that while ILS is a critical tool for safe landings, especially in low-visibility conditions, it cannot and should not replace comprehensive pilot training or override safety protocols. Blind landings, without proper systems and redundant visual cues, remain one of the riskiest maneuvers in aviation. What made the 1986 Aeroflot tragedy even more chilling was the cavalier attitude displayed by those in command. Instead of safeguarding lives, the cockpit became a site of arrogance and hubris. In the aftermath, multiple officials were held accountable, and the crash was seared into history as a grim reminder of what happens when recklessness takes the reins of responsibility. This incident remains one of the darkest chapters in Soviet aviation history, not merely because of the loss of lives, but because it was entirely avoidable. It stands as a cautionary tale, an enduring lesson that in aviation, as in life, overconfidence and negligence are a deadly mix. As investigations into the Ahmedabad plane crash continue, memories of past tragedies like this one resurface to urge vigilance, discipline, and respect for the grave responsibility carried by those who pilot aircraft across our skies. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
