Rajkot: Rajkot International Airport will introduce low visibility procedures (LVP) for aircraft departures from January 22, 2026, airport authorities said.

The decision was taken after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, during which the roles and responsibilities of all agencies involved in implementing LVP were reviewed. Officials said foggy conditions significantly reduce visibility at the airport, affecting flight operations and pilots’ visual references.

Under the revised norms, departures will be permitted when the runway visual range (RVR) drops below 550 metres but remains at or above 350 metres. Currently, aircraft are not allowed to depart if visibility deteriorates below 550 metres after landing. From January 22, departures will be allowed as long as the RVR is maintained at 350 metres or above. However, all flight operations will be suspended if the RVR falls below 350 metres.

Low visibility procedures apply when visibility drops below 800 metres or when the RVR falls below 550 metres. The measures include enhanced runway and taxiway lighting, restricted movement of aircraft and vehicles, and clearly defined responsibilities for Air Traffic Control (ATC), airport operations, engineering teams, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), CISF, airlines and pilots. Implementation and withdrawal of LVP will be carried out by ATC based on weather conditions and system availability. DeshGujarat