Allama Iqbal International Airport’s runway has been declared fit for heavyaircraft operations until 3rd November 2024.
A recent survey report of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Directorateof Airspace and Aerodrome Regulations (DAAR) called the Lahore airport’srunway “world-class,” while declaring it “authentic for landing andtake-off of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.”
As per the rules laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO), international airports across the world are audited every year todetermine the quality of their runways and operational safety.
The DAAR certification allows large aircraft, including Boeing 747, 787,777, and Airbus A330, A340, and A350, to operate at the Lahore airportunder ICAO’s Aerodrome Reference 4E Code.
For those unaware, the aerodromes, including the movement area, maneuveringarea, associated facilities, and equipment, are designed according toeither one or more critical aircraft, which is the aircraft with thehighest requirements that can use the airport.
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As per the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 14 Volume 1 andthe European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations for airports inEurope, each aerodrome is assigned an ‘Aerodrome Reference Code.’
The reference code is based on the Reference Field Length (first codenumber) and aircraft wingspan (second code letter) of the criticalaircraft. For instance, a Reference Code 4E can accommodate an airplanewith a reference field length of 1,800 m and above and a wingspan of up to65 m.
In October this year, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had beencertified for aircraft operation up to Aerodrome Reference Code 4E or belowfrom 18 September 2021 to 17 September 2024.
