'Obstructing Terrains To Low Visibility Concerns': Navi Mumbai International Airport's Air Traffic Control Faces Major Challenges Ahead Of Kickstarting Operations

Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to become one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, offering a much-needed alternative to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. With construction progressing rapidly, the airport is expected to handle millions of passengers annually once fully operational.

ATC Faces Major Risks Ahead

However, despite its potential, NMIA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) system faces major challenges related to infrastructure, weather conditions, and operational efficiency. The recently published Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Supplement outlines various obstacles that ATC must address to ensure safe and smooth operations.

Increasing Air Traffic and Workload

NMIA, expected to handle 90 million passengers annually upon full operation, is set to alleviate the burden from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which is nearing saturation. The initial phase aims to manage up to 25 million passengers, with projections showing a sharp rise in air traffic movements (ATMs). With 24/7 operations planned, ATC controllers are expected to handle hundreds of flights daily, increasing the workload and necessitating precise coordination.

The report from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) indicates that NMIA’s ATC will oversee both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, ensuring real-time navigation and communication for flights. However, managing high volumes of simultaneous departures and landings, especially during peak hours, poses a major challenge.

Obstructions & Terrain Limitations

A major issue affecting ATC operations is the presence of natural and man-made obstacles. The aerodrome obstacle chart lists multiple hills, cellphone towers and high-rise structures within the approach and departure corridors. The highest recorded obstruction, a tree-covered hill at 424.8 meters above sea level, lies within the approach funnel. Such obstructions limit maneuverability during takeoff and landing, particularly under low-visibility conditions.

Low Visibility Procedures & Safety Concerns

Weather conditions remain another concern for NMIA’s ATC. The report outlines low-visibility procedures (LVPs) that must be activated when Runway Visual Range (RVR) drops below 800 meters. ATC controllers will be responsible for implementing safeguarding measures, including runway closures, limiting ground vehicle movement, and ensuring pilots adhere to minimum takeoff visibility of 350 meters. Given Mumbai’s monsoon season, where fog and heavy rains are frequent, controllers will face heightened pressure to prevent runway incursions and delays.

Operational Delays & Infrastructure Gaps

The absence of advanced navigation and landing aids, such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category III, limits operational efficiency in adverse weather. While NMIA has provisions for ILS Category I, additional investments are required to support ultra-low visibility landings, particularly given the airport’s high expected traffic density.

Further, with limited apron space, managing aircraft pushback and taxiing procedures efficiently will be a significant challenge. The ATC report notes specific pushback restrictions at various stands, requiring precise coordination to prevent bottlenecks. Flight delays due to inefficient taxiing routes could impact the airport’s overall efficiency.

As NMIA moves toward operational readiness, ensuring a seamless ATC system is critical. Investments in advanced surveillance, automated traffic management tools, and improved weather monitoring systems will be necessary to prevent delays and enhance safety. The success of NMIA in managing Mumbai’s growing air traffic will depend on addressing these ATC challenges through strategic planning and technological upgrades.