newstodate.aero
Dec 18, 2006 (newstodate): Despite the opening of its new runway equipped with CAT III compatible landing systems, Sofia Airport is still marred by the recurrent seasonal fog problems causing aircraft diversions.
After repeated delays, the new runway was opened for traffic in September as the old runway was decommisioned.
The new ILS and other systems require a six-month calibration and test period, however, with the runway restricted to CAT I operations until officially declared CAT III operational from MArch 2007, tentatively.
By contrast, the old runway was CAT II certified and thus able to handle air traffic under worse conditions that the current new runway.
After repeated delays, the new runway was opened for traffic in September as the old runway was decommisioned.
The new ILS and other systems require a six-month calibration and test period, however, with the runway restricted to CAT I operations until officially declared CAT III operational from MArch 2007, tentatively.
By contrast, the old runway was CAT II certified and thus able to handle air traffic under worse conditions that the current new runway.