HAL airport in Bangalore has become the first airport in India to operationalise the Required Navigation Performance – Category H (RNP CAT H) helicopter approach procedure, a satellite-guided precision navigation system designed exclusively for helicopters.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), validated through flight trials by HAL test pilots and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the approach allows helicopters to fly highly accurate optimised paths, enabling all-weather access while safely navigating terrain and urban obstacles. The procedure reduces the approach time to HAL airport from 12 minutes to about four minutes.

HAL chairman and managing director Ravi K says: “The operationalisation of India’s first RNP CAT H helicopter approach is a significant milestone for the country’s aviation ecosystem. This capability enhances the safety, efficiency and accessibility of helicopter operations and establishes a benchmark for similar procedures to be implemented at airports across the country.”

The system enhances operational efficiency and airspace capacity, enables integration of rotary and fixed-wing operations and reduces noise footprints over cities. It also provides faster, safer routes for critical missions such as air ambulance and rescue operations.

HAL airport handles nearly 50 helicopter movements daily.