The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has granted permission for specialised Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations at Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand, with the aim of enhancing aircraft operations in situations of low visibility. The airport had faced multiple flight cancellations and delays since its inauguration in July 2022, primarily due to low visibility conditions. The prescribed minimum visibility criteria of 5,000 meters for VFR operations had imposed constraints on air travel during adverse weather conditions.

Special VFR operations involve conducting flights in weather conditions where visibility is below the basic VFR minima. This approach strategically manages adverse weather conditions, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of flights at Deoghar Airport.

Recognising the disruptions caused by cancellations and delays during low visibility, the DGCA issued a statement on Thursday. In response to this challenge, the regulatory body engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders and conducted a comprehensive study on the feasibility of Special VFR operations. Subsequently, the airport operator developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) delineating the processes for Special VFR operations, which received approval from the DGCA.

In a notable shift in aviation practices, the DGCA granted approval for Special VFR operations to and from Deoghar after evaluating successful flight trials and the implementation of mitigation measures by operators. This approval represents a significant advancement, particularly as it is the first time such operations have been introduced for commercial flights.

The introduction of Special VFR operations is also viewed as a crucial step in enhancing connectivity for smaller airfields, aligning with the Udan/RCS Scheme of the Government of India.

Prior to approval, a flight trial was conducted to validate the efficacy of the procedures. This trial, conducted without passengers on board, involved coordination among airline operators, pilots, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the Air Force. The successful validation flights confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed Special VFR operations.