Dibrugarh: Dibrugarh Airport on Thursday commissioned its extended runway and CAT-I lighting system, with IndiGo Flight 6E 893 from Kolkata becoming the first aircraft to land on the upgraded infrastructure at 8.38am.The project extends the runway from 1,830 metres to 2,291 metres, removing payload restrictions for A320-type aircraft that previously faced “load penalties” on the shorter strip. Airlines had often been forced to limit passenger numbers or fuel loads to operate safely.Airport officials said the addition of the CAT-I lighting system will improve night operations and landings in low-visibility conditions caused by Assam’s monsoon rains and winter fog. A new Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS) has also been installed to support operations in the region’s challenging weather.To mark the occasion, the Airports Authority of India at Dibrugarh Airport felicitated the pilot and first officer of the inaugural flight.“The commissioning of the extended runway and the CAT-I lighting is a game-changer for this region. It will significantly improve flight operations, safety, and overall connectivity in Upper Assam. This development strengthens our air travel infrastructure, allowing for more reliable schedules and the potential for increased flight frequencies in the future,” stated Bangajit Saha, director of Dibrugarh Airport.Officials said the upgrade is expected to strengthen the local economy, especially the tea industry and tourism, by improving dependable air links with major metros. They added that the CAT-I system will reduce the “minima” required for landing, helping cut diversions and cancellations during bad weather.The development is expected to enhance Dibrugarh’s role as a key gateway to the northeast and support rising demand for air travel in Upper Assam.
