CAT-II ILS at Srinagar Airport: A New Era of Reliable Winter Flights in Kashmir

This is not merely a technical improvement—it is a step toward a more connected, accessible, and prosperous future for the Valley.

Ahmad Ayaz

For decades, air travel to and from Kashmir—especially during the harsh winter months—has been fraught with uncertainty, delays, and disruptions. Travellers were all too familiar with announcements like “flight delayed due to poor visibility,” “operations suspended,” or “flight diverted to Delhi/Jammu/Amritsar.” During December and January, passengers often spent hours at airports, only to face cancellations. Tourists reconsidered winter trips due to unpredictable flights, business travellers lost valuable time, and locals endured avoidable hassles.

At the heart of this problem was the limitation of the older CAT-I Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Srinagar International Airport. While CAT-I functions well in moderate weather, it cannot support safe landings during dense fog, snow, or extremely low visibility—conditions common in Kashmir’s winter.

The recent installation of the upgraded CAT-II ILS marks a decisive technological leap for the region. Beyond an airport upgrade, it is a transformative infrastructure development with far-reaching implications for connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Srinagar Airport Needed an Upgrade

Srinagar’s unique topography and weather have long posed aviation challenges. Surrounded by mountains and prone to prolonged fog and snow, the Valley often experiences visibility far below what CAT-I requires.

Under CAT-I, aircraft need a minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR) of about 550 meters. In peak winter, visibility can drop to 100–200 meters, making landings unsafe and forcing diversions.

This resulted in recurring issues:

1. Frequent Diversions
   Flights approaching Srinagar were often redirected to Delhi or Jammu, causing major inconvenience.
2. Cancellations & Rescheduling
   Even brief low-visibility spells could disrupt entire flight schedules.
3. Passenger Hardship
   Elderly travellers, patients, students, and families were stranded without clarity. Many missed onward international connections.
4. Tourism Setbacks
   Winter tourism—especially Gulmarg’s ski season—suffered as visitors feared unreliable flights.
5. Economic Impact
   Airlines, hotels, travel operators, and businesses routinely faced losses due to unpredictable operations.

Despite repeated demands from airlines, the tourism sector, and citizens, the older ILS system remained a bottleneck, making the CAT-II upgrade both urgent and necessary.

The CAT-II Instrument Landing System: What It Brings

The CAT-II ILS allows aircraft to land with a minimum RVR of approximately 300 meters, compared to 550 meters under CAT-I.

Key improvements include:

Greater precision in aircraft guidance

Safer landings in fog, snow, and low visibility

Reduced dependence on weather clarity

Improved operational efficiency for airlines

Higher schedule reliability

This upgrade brings Srinagar Airport closer to international standards for airports operating in challenging conditions.

Immediate Benefits for Passengers

1. More Reliable Winter Operations
   Significant reductions in cancellations and diversions.
2. Reduced Travel Stress
   Passengers, particularly the elderly and patients, face fewer disruptions.
3. Boosted Confidence for Winter Tourists
   Reliable flights make winter travel to Kashmir more appealing.
4. Fewer Missed Connections
   Predictable schedules allow travellers to plan onward journeys confidently.
5. Enhanced Safety and Comfort
   Safer landings and smoother overall travel experience.

Implications for Kashmir’s Tourism Industry

Tourism is a key economic pillar in Kashmir. The CAT-II upgrade strengthens it by:

1. Ensuring Dependable Travel
   Visitors can trust winter flight schedules.
2. Increasing Bookings
   Hotels, travel operators, and homestays can plan with certainty.
3. Boosting Hospitality Sector
   Higher occupancy benefits restaurants, transport operators, and local businesses.
4. Supporting Adventure Tourism
   Gulmarg’s ski season benefits from reliable access.
5. Enhancing Global Image
   Improved aviation reliability strengthens Kashmir’s international appeal.

Economic Impact: A More Connected and Confident Kashmir

Improved air connectivity drives broader economic growth:

Easier mobility for traders and entrepreneurs

Increased business for local vendors and artisans

Reduced operational losses for airlines

Greater investor confidence

Stronger logistics and supply chain reliability

The CAT-II system directly supports Kashmir’s economic ambitions.

Strengthening Kashmir’s Integration with the Rest of India

Reliable transport is more than convenience—it is a symbol of integration. The upgraded system:

Enhances national connectivity

Enables year-round mobility

Supports educational and professional travel

Reduces winter isolation

Promotes cultural and commercial exchange

This infrastructural boost strengthens a more cohesive national framework.

Future Prospects and Technological Upgrades

While CAT-II is a major milestone, it lays the groundwork for further advancements:

CAT-III ILS for extremely low visibility

Runway enhancements

Better night-landing capabilities

Terminal expansion to accommodate rising passenger numbers

Advanced radar and navigation systems

These developments will modernize aviation in the Valley further.

Wider Social Impact: A Sense of Stability

Reliable air travel has emotional and social significance:

1. Relief for Families – Travel no longer feels risky in winter.
2. Trust in Public Infrastructure – Efficient systems build public confidence.
3. Easier Emergency Travel – Patients and families face fewer barriers.
4. Reduced Seasonal Isolation – Kashmir stays connected even in harsh weather.
5. Improved Mobility for Youth – Students travelling for exams or admissions benefit greatly.

Conclusion: A Defining Step Toward a More Reliable Future

The installation of the upgraded CAT-II ILS at Srinagar Airport is a transformative achievement. It enhances flight safety, reliability, and predictability, especially during winter. The upgrade strengthens tourism, economic activity, public convenience, and overall connectivity.

As Kashmir continues to grow and its tourism potential expands, modern, reliable infrastructure like CAT-II ILS is essential. This is not merely a technical improvement—it is a step toward a more connected, accessible, and prosperous future for the Valley.

(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE. The author is a columnist and national TV debater. Views are personal. He can be reached at: ahmadayaz08@gmail.com)