Bilaspur airport gets DGCA nod for all-weather flights

RAIPUR: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has approved the upgradation of Bilaspur airport from the 3C-VFR (Visual flight rules) category to 3C “all-weather operations,” enabling aircraft to operate even during poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. The approval was granted by the office of DGCA through an amendment to the aerodrome licence of Bilaspur's Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, following a review of documents submitted by the Chhattisgarh govt. The clearance allows all-weather operations on the condition that specified safety and operational requirements are complied with, the DGCA letter dated Feb 6, 2026 said.All-weather operations mean aircraft can rely on advanced navigation and landing systems rather than visual cues alone, said officials. This significantly improves safety, especially during monsoon and winter months.Besides, airlines prefer airports where operations are reliable year-round. With weather no longer a major constraint, Bilaspur becomes more attractive for airlines to add new routes, increase flight frequency, or operate larger aircraft.Passengers from Bilaspur and nearby districts will no longer need to depend as heavily on Raipur for flights during bad weather, cutting down long road journeys and additional expenses.Currently, only a handful of passenger flights from the airport operate to about five domestic destinations, mainly on regional routes, and are served by a limited number of airlines. According to the approval letter, the airport operator must ensure effective implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a preventive maintenance schedule for all critical systems related to safe aircraft operations. The DGCA has also directed that adequate trained manpower be deployed at the airport, commensurate with the expected level of operations.The regulator further mandated that aerodrome information regarding the change in operational status be properly promulgated and that airlines operating to Bilaspur must be provided accurate and updated information before undertaking IFR operations.In a post on his X handle, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the all-weather clearance would give a major boost to regional connectivity and ensure safer, more reliable air services for passengers. He said uninterrupted flight operations would particularly benefit Bilaspur and adjoining districts by improving access for business travellers, medical emergencies, and tourists."The upgrade would help accelerate trade, industry and tourism activity in north Chhattisgarh, while also creating new employment opportunities linked to aviation and allied services," Sai said.Officials said the upgrade strengthens Bilaspur airport’s position on the national aviation map and marks a key step in improving air connectivity beyond the state capital.