Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With the trial landing of Boeing 777-300ER on Tuesday, the Bhopal airport has become the first in Madhya Pradesh to accommodate the aircraft used for VVIP movement. The Indian Air Force conducted the trial landing.
According to the airport authorities, with its wingspan of 64.8 metres and length of 74 metres, the B-777 300ER, typically used for long-haul flights, is the largest aircraft to land at the airport. The successful trial highlights the airport’s enhanced infrastructure and readiness to support VVIP flights.
Infrastructure improvements at the airport were completed in 2023, received commissioning approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and include the extension of runway turn pads and taxiway fillets to accommodate the larger wingspan of the aircraft.
Additionally, special provisions have been made for parking, covering three designated parking stands capable of accommodating the aircraft.
The Aerodrome reference code of Bhopal Airport is 4D, and currently, aircraft up to A321 (wingspan 34 metres) operate from here.
Airport Director Ramji Awasthi said, “The category of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) required for the B-777 300 ER is CAT-9 because of its length (73.9 metres). The present ARFF category at Bhopal Airport is CAT-7, which is according to the A321 aircraft – the largest aircraft currently operating from the airport. However, CAT-9 was provided for the trial landing of B-777 300ER.”
