According to Bostонов, the fogs observed recently exceeded the permissible parameters for the operation of the airport, which belongs to the second category.
“I worked as an air traffic controller for 17 years and personally authorized takeoffs and landings in foggy conditions. This time, visibility was less than 350 meters, which is below the minimum standard for the second category,” he noted.
The director added that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) divides landing procedures into three categories.
“The first category requires visibility of 550 meters, the second - 350 meters. The third category allows landing with zero visibility using automatic control,” he explained.
Bostонов emphasized that even if the aircraft and crew can perform a landing under the third category, they will not be able to land if the airport operates only under the second category.
“In such a situation, information is transmitted to ICAO, and neither pilots nor airlines want to face additional problems,” he added.
In response to questions about the implementation of the third category at Manas International Airport, Bostонов stated that a decision has already been made, but the implementation of this process requires time.
“The third category involves not only new equipment. Additional training for pilots, retrofitting of aircraft, as well as training for air traffic controllers and all airport personnel is necessary. Moreover, the systems must undergo testing using a special laboratory aircraft,” he noted.
The director also reported that the modernization of the airport is being carried out comprehensively, including the reconstruction of the runway, taxiways, and apron.
“The runway has been replaced with an asphalt one, making it softer. This brings comfort and economic benefits for airlines. Such changes are being made for the first time since 1982,” Bostонов added.
He also reminded that having the third category does not always guarantee a successful landing in conditions of heavy fog.
“Sometimes even pilots with third category clearance may refuse to land. Landing with zero visibility carries a high risk,” he noted.
The head of the State Agency urged passengers to understand the limitations related to weather conditions.
“Dense fogs are a common phenomenon in aviation worldwide. This year, they have been particularly intense, with visibility dropping to 50 meters in some places. Flight safety always remains our priority,” concluded Daniyar Bostонов.
