Bengaluru Airport Gets DGCA Nod For Mixed-Mode Runway Operations
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to introduce mixed-mode runway operations, potentially increasing aircraft-handling capacity by nearly 42%. As per a report by Moneycontrol, the aviation regulator granted clearance on Nov 3 following an examination of the proposal submitted by Bangalore International…
Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has obtained permission from India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to implement mixed-mode runway operations. This modification could boost the airport's handling capacity by nearly 42%, according to a report by Moneycontrol. The DGCA approved the proposal on November 3 after reviewing plans submitted by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).
Following this approval, Bengaluru will become India's second airport to adopt this system, following Delhi. The airport's current capacity stands at approximately 60 aircraft movements per hour, which the new system is expected to raise to 85. Currently, KIA operates with two parallel runways exclusively for arrivals and departures.
Under the present Runway 27 configuration, aircraft depart from Runway 27R while arriving on Runway 27L. Conversely, the Runway 09 configuration sees arrivals on Runway 09L and departures from Runway 09R.
The mixed-mode arrangement will enable both runways to serve both arrival and departure flights more flexibly, contingent on operational and safety clearances. Air traffic controllers will be able to schedule staggered arrivals and allow parallel departures under suitable conditions. This added flexibility is anticipated to enhance runway utilization and mitigate congestion during peak periods.
Bangalore airport presently accommodates around 30 arrivals and 30 departures per hour. With the revised arrangement, its daily capacity could surpass 1,500 aircraft movements, contingent on demand and operating conditions. The report suggests that improved runway efficiency could diminish airborne holding, departure queues, and aircraft taxiing times.
Shorter waiting periods might also lessen aviation fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Airlines could reap benefits such as enhanced aircraft utilisation, more predictable turnaround times, and greater schedule reliability.
Passengers might encounter fewer delays before take-off and after landing. The expanded operational capacity could also facilitate additional domestic and international flights, bolstering Bengaluru's status as an aviation hub. Nonetheless, the actual efficiency gains will hinge on factors like weather, airspace restrictions, aircraft types, traffic volumes, and ground-handling capabilities.
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