“I have 17 years of experience as an air traffic controller, and I have directly dealt with the clearance of takeoffs and landings in foggy conditions. This time, the visibility was less than 350 meters, which is below the minimum for the second category,” he explained.
Bostonov also reminded that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) distinguishes three categories of approach for landing.
“The first category implies visibility of 550 meters, the second — 350 meters. The third category allows for landing in automatic mode with zero visibility,” added the agency director.
He emphasized that even if the crew and the aircraft can be allowed to land under the third category, they will not be able to do so if the airport is operating at the second category level.
“In this case, the information is transmitted to ICAO, and neither pilots nor airlines are interested in additional investigations,” noted Bostonov.
Discussing the implementation of the third category at Manas International Airport, he mentioned that a decision on this had been made earlier, but the process takes time.
“The third category is not just new equipment. Pilots need special training, aircraft must be retrofitted, and air traffic controllers and the entire airport must undergo training. Additionally, all systems must be tested with a special laboratory aircraft,” he added.
According to him, the modernization of the airport includes comprehensive work, such as the reconstruction of the runway, taxiways, and apron.
“The runway has been replaced with an asphalt one, making it softer. This is more comfortable and economically advantageous for airlines. Such a decision has been made for the first time since 1982,” emphasized Bostonov.
He also noted that having a third category does not always guarantee a successful landing in heavy fog conditions.
“Sometimes pilots, even with clearance for the third category, prefer not to land. Landing with zero visibility carries increased risks,” he added.
The head of the State Agency urged passengers to understand the limitations caused by weather conditions.
“Dense fogs are a common phenomenon for aviation worldwide. This year they have been particularly intense, and visibility has dropped to 50 meters in some places. Flight safety always remains our priority,” concluded Bostonov.
