• Source:JND

India has launched its first SkyCast System at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. This marks a major upgrade in aviation weather monitoring. The system was inaugurated on Friday by Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. He described it as a significant step toward improving flight safety and reducing weather-related disruptions in Indian aviation.

Delhi Airport Gets ‘SkyCast’

According to a press release by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, about 18 such advanced atmospheric monitoring systems exist globally, making India the 19th country to deploy this integrated technology. After Delhi, a similar facility is planned for Jewar Airport, with expansion expected to other airports across the country. The effort is part of the government’s broader aviation modernisation and “Mission Mausam” initiative.

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What Is SkyCast?

SkyCast is an advanced atmospheric observation system that combines multiple high-end technologies such as Radar Wind Profilers, SODAR, microwave radiometers, fog aerosol sensors, and lidar-based ceilometers. These instruments will together monitor wind patterns, turbulence, humidity, visibility, fog formation, and vertical atmospheric conditions around the airport.

What Will It Do?

The system has been developed to address some of the biggest challenges in aviation, including poor visibility, sudden weather changes, fog, and turbulence. In cities like Delhi, winter fog often leads to delays and cancellations. Now, SkyCast is expected to provide early and accurate alerts to pilots and air traffic controllers.

According to officials, the system can offer short-term “nowcasting” updates of up to three hours. This will help airlines make quick decisions during landing, take-off, diversions, and scheduling. This is expected to reduce flight delays, cancellations, and fuel losses caused by unexpected weather conditions.

The technology is also designed to improve runway safety by giving real-time information about wind shear, turbulence and boundary-layer activity up to several kilometres above ground. This will help pilots during important phases of flight, such as descent and landing.

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