Maharashtra's IRB Sindhudurg airport gets DGCA nod for 24x7 all-weather operations

IRB Sindhudurg Airport, operated by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, on Saturday (January 3) said it has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct 24x7 day-and-night, all-weather flight operations, marking a significant operational upgrade for the facility.

With this clearance, the airport has been certified for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing aircraft to operate during low visibility and adverse weather conditions. The approval also covers published

satellite-based Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures, along with the availability of a backup navigation aid.

These systems together provide pilots with precise instrument approach guidance while ensuring a reliable non-satellite alternative, improving safety and operational reliability for all aircraft types throughout the year.

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The development comes amid strong growth in passenger traffic at Sindhudurg Airport. In December, the airport recorded close to 11,000 passenger movements for the first time and is now expected to feature among India’s top 75 airports by monthly passenger footfall. To accommodate rising traffic, the airport has expanded its aircraft parking infrastructure, doubling capacity from three to six aircraft stands.

The enhanced operational capability is expected to strengthen Sindhudurg’s role as an important aviation gateway for the Konkan region, supporting tourism, business travel and regional connectivity. Improved reliability and all-weather operations are also likely to boost airline confidence and enable more consistent scheduling.

Commenting on the approval, Captain Jai S Sadana, Chief Adviser and Head, IRB Sindhudurg Airport, said, “The approval for 24x7 all-weather operations significantly enhances the airport’s reliability and operational capability.

This will encourage airline confidence, support sustained traffic growth, and contribute meaningfully to economic and tourism development across the Konkan region. We are grateful to the regulators, authorities and the government for their guidance and support.”

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He added that further connectivity improvements are on the horizon. “The Mumbai–Sindhudurg route under the state regional connectivity scheme is also expected to commence in the coming months. This will further improve connectivity, making travel more convenient for residents of the Konkan region and welcome visitors from across India,” he said.