DGCA approves special VFR Operations at Deoghar Airport, Jharkhand

20 Nov 2023 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..