Dibrugarh: Dibrugarh Airport took a significant step towards modernising its aviation infrastructure on Monday, officially commencing parallel air traffic control (ATC) and communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) operations at its newly constructed ATC-cum-technical block — marking the beginning of a new chapter in airspace management.Built at an investment of approximately Rs 37 crore, the state-of-the-art facility integrates advanced communication and surveillance technologies designed to bring Dibrugarh Airport’s operational capabilities in line with contemporary aviation standards. The new block is expected to have a transformative impact on the safety and efficiency of air traffic services in the region.The newly installed systems will run alongside the existing legacy infrastructure, allowing aviation authorities to test and verify the reliability of the new systems under real operational conditions before a full transition is made. This approach ensures there is no disruption to ongoing air traffic services during the switchover period — a critical consideration for an airport that serves as a key aviation gateway for the northeast.Airport director Bangajit Saha said the parallel operations phase will run for approximately six weeks, after which the new ATC-cum-technical block will be fully operational and the old infrastructure phased out.“This upgrade is set to significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of air navigation and aerodrome operations in Assam. By streamlining traffic flow and providing controllers with superior technical tools, the new facility reinforces Dibrugarh’s role as a critical and secure aviation gateway for the northeast,” Saha said.The new facility equips air traffic controllers with improved technical tools, enabling more precise monitoring and management of aircraft movements in the region’s airspace. Enhanced communication systems will improve coordination between controllers and pilots, while advanced surveillance technologies will provide greater situational awareness — both essential for maintaining safety standards.
