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Ministry of Science & Technology and DIAL inaugurate ‘SKYCAST’ — India’s First Integrated Aviation Weather Intelligence and Nowcasting Facility at Delhi Airport

New Delhi, May 29, 2026: In a major advancement for aviation safety and meteorological capability in India, the Ministry of Science & Technology, in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), today inaugurated SKYCAST—an advanced, integrated aviation weather intelligence and nowcasting facility—at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

With the commissioning of SKYCAST, Delhi Airport becomes the only airport in India to deploy a comprehensive, real-time atmospheric monitoring system specifically designed to support aviation and airport operations.

SKYCAST is a next-generation aviation meteorological platform that integrates advanced remote sensing technologies, atmospheric profiling systems, and intelligent nowcasting tools to continuously track rapidly evolving weather conditions that may impact flight operations. The system combines a Radar Wind Profiler (RWP), Microwave Profiling Radiometer (MPR), SODAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging), and Automated Weather Stations (AWS) to deliver high-resolution wind and thermodynamic profiling of the atmosphere.

The facility enables continuous, real-time monitoring of critical atmospheric parameters, including temperature and humidity profiles, water vapour density, cloud liquid water content, wind speed and direction, vertical wind structures, and near-surface high-resolution wind observations.

SKYCAST is capable of assessing atmospheric conditions from the surface up to nearly 10 km altitude for thermodynamic profiling and several kilometres for wind observations. This significantly enhances the ability of meteorologists and aviation stakeholders to accurately track and respond to rapidly changing weather systems.

Using advanced algorithms and integrated atmospheric analysis, the system generates a wide range of derived aviation meteorological parameters such as wind shear magnitude and depth, headwind, tailwind and crosswind components, low-level jet characteristics, atmospheric stability indicators, temperature inversion analysis, fog formation indicators, boundary layer dynamics, icing potential, and storm and precipitation characteristics.

A key feature of SKYCAST is its automated nowcasting and hazard alerting capability. The system detects and provides real-time alerts for critical aviation hazards including wind shear, fog, inversions, low-level jets, icing, and turbulence. It also supports outputs for the Integrated Wind Shear Alerting System (IWAS), convective initiation forecasts, fog evolution trends, and short-term operational nowcasts updated every five minutes.

The platform is supported by the VizAir software suite, which offers a comprehensive decision-support interface with advanced visualization and analytics tools. It provides operational weather intelligence to key stakeholders including meteorologists, air traffic controllers, and pilots. The system is aligned with ICAO and FAA standards and enables runway-specific wind shear alerting tailored to operational requirements.

The deployment of SKYCAST is expected to significantly strengthen:

  • Aviation safety during take-off and landing
  • Runway and air traffic flow management
  • Operational preparedness during fog and severe weather
  • Reduction in weather-related delays and diversions
  • Real-time pilot situational awareness
  • Passenger convenience and operational predictability
  • Research and indigenous capabilities in aviation meteorology

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said: “SKYCAST is an important step forward in making Delhi Airport even safer and more resilient for everyone who travels through it. Weather can change very quickly, and having access to accurate, real-time information makes a real difference on the ground and in the air. This system will help our teams, pilots, and air traffic controllers make quicker, more informed decisions, ultimately ensuring smoother and safer journeys for passengers. At DIAL, we remain committed to adopting advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.”

Globally, similar advanced atmospheric profiling and aviation weather intelligence systems are deployed at leading airports and aerospace facilities including Hong Kong International Airport, Heathrow Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Singapore Changi Airport, as well as at NASA and Cape Canaveral launch facilities for aviation and launch weather monitoring.

The launch of SKYCAST further reinforces Delhi Airport’s position as a leading smart aviation hub, leveraging science, innovation, and advanced technology to enable safer, more efficient, and resilient airport operations.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY26 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.

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For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

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  • Subhendu Ray
  • Saurabh Kumar Singh
  • Corporate Communications
  • Corporate Communications

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