Mangaluru Airport commissions CAT-I PAL system, only 2nd in Asia
Synopsis
Mangaluru International Airport has become only the second airport in Asia to commission a Precision Approach Lighting Category I system — with towers taller than the Qutub Minar extending 900 metres from the runway. For a tabletop airport where approach precision is non-negotiable, this is a landmark safety upgrade with implications for the entire Indian aviation sector.
Key Takeaways
Mangaluru International Airport commissioned the PAL Category I system for Runway 24 on 15 June , following DGCA approval.
The facility is only the second of its kind in Asia , placing Mangaluru among a select group of airports globally.
The system features ALIMS-equipped towers extending 900 metres from the runway threshold — most taller than the Qutub Minar .
A zero-accident record was maintained throughout the construction phase, according to the airport.
The airport is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and is targeting recognition as one of India's safest tabletop airports.
Mangaluru International Airport has commissioned the Precision Approach Lighting (PAL) Category I system for Runway 24 following approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the airport announced on Monday, 15 June. The facility is only the second of its kind in Asia, placing Mangaluru among a select group of airports worldwide equipped with this level of advanced landing infrastructure.
What the PAL Category I System Does
The PAL Category I system is engineered to give pilots enhanced visual guidance during the critical final approach to landing, particularly under conditions of reduced visibility — a challenge that is especially pronounced at tabletop airport facilities like Mangaluru. The approach lighting system features Airfield Lighting Intelligent Management Systems (ALIMS) mounted on specially engineered towers that extend 900 metres outward from the runway threshold.
Notably, most of these towers rise taller than the Qutub Minar in New Delhi, underscoring the scale and engineering complexity involved in the installation. The project is described as one of the most unique airfield lighting installations in India.
Safety Record and Execution Standards
A standout aspect of the project is its zero-accident record maintained throughout the entire construction phase, according to the company. The airport stated this reflects adherence to the highest standards of safety planning and execution — a benchmark that carries added significance given the structural complexity of the tower installations.
'The commissioning of PAL system reflects the airport's continuous focus on adopting advanced technologies to enhance aviation safety and passenger confidence,' an airport spokesperson said.
Adani Group's Role and Broader Vision
Mangaluru International Airport is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group. The commissioning of the PAL system forms part of a broader set of airside enhancements at the airport, including upgrades to runway lighting and safety infrastructure.
The airport has stated its long-term ambition of becoming one of the safest tabletop airports in India, and this milestone represents a tangible step in that direction by meeting both operational and regulatory compliance benchmarks set by the DGCA.
What This Means for Passengers and Operations
For passengers and airlines operating out of Mangaluru, the upgrade translates into greater operational reliability during low-visibility conditions — reducing the likelihood of diversions or delays caused by poor weather. This is particularly significant for a tabletop runway, where approach precision is inherently more demanding than at conventional airports.
With the PAL Category I system now operational, Mangaluru International Airport joins a narrow global cohort of airports with this infrastructure, and eyes further safety upgrades as part of its ongoing airside development programme.
Point of View
And India has several; Mangaluru's upgrade sets a benchmark others will be measured against. The Adani Group's expanding airport portfolio means execution quality here has reputational weight beyond a single terminal. The zero-accident construction claim, if independently verified, would also be a meaningful data point in an industry where worksite safety is chronically under-scrutinised.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PAL Category I system commissioned at Mangaluru Airport?
The Precision Approach Lighting (PAL) Category I system is an advanced airfield lighting setup that provides pilots with enhanced visual guidance during the final stages of landing, especially in low-visibility conditions. At Mangaluru, it is installed on Runway 24 and features ALIMS-equipped towers extending 900 metres from the runway threshold.
Why is Mangaluru Airport's PAL system significant?
Mangaluru International Airport is only the second airport in Asia to commission a PAL Category I system of this kind, making it part of a select global group. The upgrade is especially critical because Mangaluru operates a tabletop runway, where approach precision and visibility aids are more operationally demanding than at conventional airports.
Who approved the PAL Category I system at Mangaluru Airport?
The system was commissioned following formal approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator. The approval confirms the installation meets national regulatory and safety compliance standards.
Who operates Mangaluru International Airport?
Mangaluru International Airport is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, which manages several airports across India.
What is a tabletop airport and why does it need advanced lighting?
A tabletop airport is built on a plateau or elevated terrain, with the runway ending at a sharp drop-off rather than open ground. This makes approaches more demanding and leaves little margin for error, making precision lighting systems like PAL Category I especially important for pilot guidance during low-visibility landings.
