DARBHANGA, May 24 -- Darbhanga airport has received a major operational upgrade with the installation and notification of CAT II-compatible approach lighting infrastructure, a development expected to significantly improve flight operations during dense fog and poor visibility conditions, officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. According to Airport Authority of India sources, the CAT II lighting system for 550-metre Runway Visual Range (RVR) operations has been installed and formally notified, while the required NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) procedures have also been prepared. The airport already operates with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT I facility, which officials said is proposed to be upgraded to ILS CAT II in the next phase. The newly installed infrastructure includes Touchdown Zone Lighting (TDZL) across the first 900 metres of the runway, a key requirement for CAT II operations. Officials said the advanced lighting system would provide improved visual guidance to pilots during approach and landing in low-visibility conditions, particularly during winter when north Bihar experiences prolonged fog. Aviation experts said the upgrade is expected to improve operational reliability by allowing aircraft movements in lower visibility conditions than those permitted under the existing CAT I system. The enhanced infrastructure is also likely to reduce flight diversions, delays and cancellations caused by adverse weather. Sources added that all major electrical and electronic systems required for night landing operations have been installed and are operationally ready, marking a crucial step towards advanced all-weather capability at the airport. Officials nevertheless described the development as a significant milestone for aviation infrastructure in the Mithila region, with the upgraded system expected to benefit thousands of passengers travelling to and from north Bihar. Meanwhile, JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Friday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed issues related to the operationalisation of night landing facilities at the airport. During the meeting, Jha submitted a memorandum seeking additional Indian Air Force personnel and technical support for commencement of night flight operations. Jha said passenger traffic at the airport has grown steadily since the launch of the interim civil enclave under the UDAN scheme in November 2020. He noted that the Centre has already granted in-principle approval for declaration of Darbhanga as an international airport, while the Bihar government has nearly completed acquisition of around 90 acres for extension of the runway to 3,700 metres. He also informed the Defence Minister that construction of the permanent civil enclave is underway and that land acquisition for a proposed logistics park near the airport is expected to be completed by July. At present, around 18 flights operate daily from the airport, though airlines have been seeking additional evening slots beyond 5 pm amid rising passenger demand. Jha urged the Centre to facilitate extension of ATC watch hours and provide additional operational support to strengthen future expansion and improve regional air connectivity. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday said Darbhanga airport was emerging as an important hub for agricultural cargo movement under the Centre's Krishi UDAN initiative....