Sindhudurg Airport in Maharashtra has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to operate 24 hours a day in all-weather conditions, marking a significant upgrade for the Konkan region’s connectivity. The certification for Instrument Flight Rules allows aircraft to take off and land in low visibility and adverse weather, improving reliability for passengers and carriers alike.
Sindhudurg Airport 24/7 operations bring advanced navigation and safety
The DGCA approval follows the publication of satellite-based Required Navigation Performance procedures and the confirmation of a backup navigation aid. Together, these systems provide precise instrument approach guidance and a reliable non-satellite alternative for pilots, reducing weather-related disruptions and increasing operational safety throughout the year.
Operated by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, the airport now meets standards that allow most types of aircraft to operate more dependably. The upgrade is expected to support higher on-time performance, fewer diversions and greater confidence among airlines considering new or expanded services to Sindhudurg.
Officials say the certification will have an immediate practical impact. Aircraft parking capacity at the airport has been doubled, increasing the number of parking stands from three to six. That additional capacity will enable the airport to handle busier periods and facilitate more flexible scheduling for carriers.
Passenger traffic at Sindhudurg has shown notable growth. In December the airport recorded nearly 11,000 passenger movements, a milestone that puts it on track to join India’s top 75 airports for monthly passenger numbers. With the new operational capability in place, authorities expect steady traffic growth through the coming tourist seasons.
Capt. Jai S Sadana, Chief Adviser and Head of IRB Sindhudurg Airport, said the approval would substantially improve the airport’s reliability and encourage airline confidence. He added that the upgrade would support sustained traffic growth and contribute to the wider economic and tourism development of the Konkan region. Officials also noted that a Mumbai–Sindhudurg service under the state regional connectivity scheme is expected to begin in the coming months, further improving travel convenience for residents and visitors.
Local tourism stakeholders welcomed the move. The Konkan coast, known for its beaches and cultural attractions, stands to benefit from more consistent air access, which could extend the season for hotels and related businesses. Better connectivity is also likely to make Sindhudurg more attractive for domestic tourists and for travellers connecting from other Indian cities.
Beyond tourism, improved airport operations are likely to have wider economic benefits. Reliable round-the-clock service can support business travel, speed cargo movements and strengthen supply-chain links for regional commerce. For IRB Infrastructure Developers, the certification is a positive operational milestone that supports the long-term viability of the airport project.
As airlines assess route opportunities, the new approval gives Sindhudurg a competitive edge. With advanced navigation procedures, increased parking capacity and rising passenger numbers, the airport is positioned to play a growing role in Maharashtra’s aviation network and in the broader regional economy.
Key Takeaways:
- Sindhudurg Airport 24/7 operations approved by DGCA, enabling round-the-clock, all-weather flights.
- Instrument Flight Rules and satellite-based RNP procedures plus a backup nav aid improve safety and reliability.
- Passenger movements hit nearly 11,000 in December and parking stands doubled from three to six to support growth.
- Approval is expected to boost tourism, regional development and airline confidence on routes such as Mumbai–Sindhudurg.
