Hyderabad Airport Upgrades Runway 09R to CAT III Lighting to Reduce Fog-Related Flight Delays

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has commissioned Category III (CAT III) Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) capability on Runway 09R, strengthening its ability to manage aircraft operations during extremely low-visibility conditions. The upgrade, completed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) on November 10, 2026, is expected to reduce weather-related flight delays and diversions, particularly during the winter fog season. The development marks an important enhancement to the airport’s airside infrastructure and operational preparedness.

The commissioning of CAT III-compliant Airfield Ground Lighting on Runway 09R marks a transition from the runway’s earlier CAT II lighting capability to an enhanced low-visibility operating environment.

The upgrade is intended to help aircraft operate more safely and efficiently when fog and other adverse weather conditions reduce visibility around the airport.

According to GHIAL, the improvement is expected to minimise weather-related flight diversions and delays while supporting better schedule reliability for airlines.

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