06/10/2025
Pakistan currently has at least two airports with CAT-III runways:
the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) and Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore), both equipped with CAT-III(B) landing systems for low-visibility conditions. The Jinnah International Airport (Karachi) has CAT-I equipped runways, but is undergoing upgrades that will potentially enable CAT-4F status. The Islamabad International Airport (OPIS) also features CAT-II/III runways.
Airports with CAT-III Capabilities
New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA):Operationalized with a CAT-III(B) Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows landings with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) as low as 50 meters.
Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore):Has the CAT-III(B) system, enabling safe landings and take-offs in fog and poor visibility with reduced RVRs.
Jinnah International Airport (Karachi):While currently equipped with CAT-I, upgrades are in progress that will eventually allow for CAT-4F status, which involves handling aircraft with higher operational needs and more advanced landing capabilities.
Islamabad International Airport (OPIS):Features two runways that are CAT-II/III equipped.
What is a CAT-III Runway?
A CAT-III runway uses an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) and specialized lighting.
It provides precise guidance for pilots to land safely in very low visibility conditions, such as heavy fog.
The "B" in CAT-III(B) signifies a specific operational capability that allows for landings with a minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR) of 50 meters and a Decision Height (DH) of 15 meters (50 feet) or lower.
Requirements for Landing on a CAT-III Runway
For a successful CAT-III landing, three key factors must be met:
Visibility: The Runway Visual Range (RVR) must be at least 50 meters.
Pilot Training: Pilots must be fully trained and proficient in CAT-III(B)
