Sindhudurg Airport has reached a major milestone after receiving approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate 24×7 day-and-night flights in all weather conditions. The clearance marks a significant upgrade for the airport, strengthening its role as a key aviation gateway to the Konkan region. The airport is operated by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd.
With this approval, Sindhudurg Airport is now certified for Instrument Flight Rules operations. This allows aircraft to land and take off even during low visibility and challenging weather conditions, improving safety and reliability throughout the year. The certification is especially important for a coastal region like Konkan, where weather conditions can change quickly.
As part of the upgrade, the airport now has published satellite-based Required Navigation Performance procedures. These advanced systems provide precise guidance to pilots during approach and landing. In addition, a backup navigation aid has been made available, ensuring continued operations even if satellite signals are unavailable. Together, these measures enhance operational safety and reduce the chances of flight delays or cancellations.
The approval comes at a time of strong passenger growth at Sindhudurg Airport. In December, the airport recorded nearly 11,000 passenger movements for the first time. With this steady rise, Sindhudurg is expected to feature among India’s top 75 airports in terms of monthly passenger footfall. This growth reflects increasing demand for air connectivity to the Konkan region from major cities.
To support higher traffic, the airport has expanded its infrastructure. Aircraft parking capacity has been doubled, with the number of parking stands increased from three to six. This improvement will allow the airport to handle more flights simultaneously and support future airline operations.
Capt. Jai S Sadana, Chief Adviser and Head of IRB Sindhudurg Airport, said the DGCA approval significantly strengthens the airport’s operational capability. He noted that round-the-clock all-weather operations would improve airline confidence, support long-term traffic growth, and contribute to economic development and tourism across the Konkan region. He also expressed gratitude to regulators, authorities, and government bodies for their continued support.
Looking ahead, air connectivity to Sindhudurg is expected to improve further. The Mumbai–Sindhudurg route under the state’s regional connectivity scheme is likely to begin in the coming months. Once operational, the route will make travel easier for local residents and encourage more visitors to explore the Konkan region, supporting tourism and regional development.
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