GBIA to install RNP-AR system to address visibility issues
This system, which is already in use at airports and air services in many countries, is based on satellite technology.
KATHMANDU: Due to the denial of permission by India to install the ILS system at Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) will install the RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance–Authorization Required) system.
This system, which is already in use at airports and air services in many countries, is based on satellite technology.
The RNP-AR system serves as an alternative to the Instrumental Landing System (ILS). The system has already been implemented at Tribhuvan International Airport.
CAAN’s Director General, E. Pradeep Adhikari, announced that the RNP-AR system will become effective from Jan 23.
He mentioned that this system will enable aircraft to land safely even with a minimum visibility of 800 meters at Gautam Buddha International Airport.
Based on satellite technology, the system aims to eliminate the disruptions caused by visibility issues during takeoff and landing.
The RNP-AR system at Tribhuvan International Airport operates at a minimum visibility of 1,100 meters, while the system at Gautam Buddha International Airport will function with a minimum visibility of 800 meters, as stated by Director General Adhikari.
Additionally, Tribhuvan International Airport, which used to close at night, will now remain open for an extra hour in the evening and one hour earlier in the morning.
Since Nov 8 flight operations have been halted for 10 hours daily due to the construction of a parallel taxiway. Starting from Feb 1, the airport will be closed for only 8 hours, from 11 PM to 7 AM.
Despite the reduction in closure time, international flights diverted to Bhairahawa will continue as before, clarified Director General Adhikari.
