DGCA Grants All-Weather Operations Approval to Bilaspur Airport
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially approved the upgrade of Bilaspur airport from the 3C-VFR (Visual Flight Rules) category to 3C "all-weather operations." This significant regulatory change, announced on Friday, enables aircraft to operate safely even during poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, marking a major advancement for regional aviation in Chhattisgarh.
Regulatory Approval and Operational Requirements
The approval was granted through an amendment to the aerodrome licence of Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport in Bilaspur. This followed a comprehensive review of documents submitted by the Chhattisgarh government. According to the DGCA letter dated February 6, 2026, the clearance permits all-weather operations under the strict condition that specified safety and operational requirements are fully complied with by the airport operator.
All-weather operations fundamentally transform how aircraft approach and land at the airport. Instead of relying solely on visual cues, pilots can now utilize advanced navigation and landing systems. This technological shift significantly enhances safety, particularly during challenging weather periods such as the monsoon and winter months when visibility is often compromised.
Impact on Airlines and Passenger Connectivity
This upgrade makes Bilaspur airport substantially more attractive to commercial airlines. With weather no longer a primary operational constraint, carriers are more likely to consider adding new routes, increasing flight frequency, or deploying larger aircraft to serve the region. Airlines inherently prefer airports that offer reliable, year-round operations to maintain consistent schedules and optimize fleet utilization.
For passengers from Bilaspur and surrounding districts, the development means reduced dependence on Raipur's airport during inclement weather. This will cut down on the long, often expensive, road journeys that travelers previously had to undertake when flights from Bilaspur were canceled or delayed due to weather. Currently, the airport handles only a handful of passenger flights to about five domestic destinations, primarily on regional routes, operated by a limited number of airlines.
Mandatory Safety and Infrastructure Protocols
The DGCA approval letter outlines several critical mandates for the airport operator. Effective implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a rigorous preventive maintenance schedule for all systems critical to safe aircraft operations is compulsory. Furthermore, the regulator has directed that adequate trained manpower be deployed at the airport, commensurate with the expected increase in operational activity.
The DGCA has also mandated that aerodrome information regarding this change in operational status be properly promulgated. Airlines operating flights to Bilaspur must be provided with accurate and updated information before undertaking Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, ensuring seamless integration into the national airspace system.
Government and Official Reactions
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the approval in a post on his X handle. He stated that the all-weather clearance would provide a major boost to regional connectivity and ensure safer, more reliable air services for passengers. "Uninterrupted flight operations will particularly benefit Bilaspur and adjoining districts by improving access for business travelers, medical emergencies, and tourists," Sai emphasized.
He further highlighted that the upgrade is expected to accelerate trade, industry, and tourism activity in north Chhattisgarh, while also creating new employment opportunities linked to aviation and allied services. Officials noted that this upgrade strengthens Bilaspur airport's position on the national aviation map and represents a key step in improving air connectivity beyond the state capital, fostering more balanced regional development.
