Image Source: PIB

India has launched its first integrated aviation weather monitoring system, called SkyCast, at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The system was inaugurated on May 29 by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh under the government’s Mission Mausam program. It is designed to improve flight safety and reduce delays caused by fog, turbulence and low visibility.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India has become the 19th country to deploy such an advanced aviation weather intelligence system. Authorities said the next SkyCast facility will be installed at Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh before expansion to other airports across the country.

Advanced Weather Monitoring For Safer Flights

SkyCast combines several atmospheric monitoring technologies into one integrated platform. The system includes a Radar Wind Profiler, SODAR, Microwave Radiometer, Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer and CL61 Lidar-based Ceilometer. These instruments monitor wind speed, turbulence, humidity, fog density and visibility conditions up to nearly 3 kilometers above the airport.

Officials said the technology can provide pilots and air traffic controllers with real-time weather updates and short-term forecasts. The data can help airlines make safer landing and take-off decisions during dense fog and changing weather conditions.

Delhi airport frequently faces winter flight disruptions because of fog and pollution-related visibility problems. Scientists said SkyCast can improve nowcasting and early warning services, reducing diversions, cancellations and operational delays.