India has taken a major leap toward smarter and safer aviation with the launch of SkyCast, the country's first integrated aviation weather intelligence and nowcasting system at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The advanced system was inaugurated by Jitendra Singh on May 29, 2026, under the Government of India's ambitious Mission Mausam initiative. With this launch, India joins an elite group of just 19 countries worldwide that have deployed such advanced aviation weather-monitoring technology.
Why SkyCast Is a Game-Changer for Indian Aviation
Every winter, dense fog in North India causes hundreds of flight delays, cancellations, and diversions, especially at Delhi Airport. SkyCast has been designed to tackle these challenges by providing real-time atmospheric intelligence to pilots, airlines, airport operators, and air traffic controllers.
The system continuously monitors weather conditions and delivers highly accurate forecasts and alerts every five minutes, helping aviation authorities make faster operational decisions
Key Features of SkyCast
Real-Time Aviation Weather Intelligence
SkyCast can monitor atmospheric conditions from ground level up to nearly 10 kilometers in altitude, offering a comprehensive picture of weather patterns affecting flights.
Hyper-Local Nowcasting
The system generates highly localized forecasts and hazard alerts updated every five minutes, enabling quicker responses to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Advanced Hazard Detection
SkyCast provides real-time alerts for:
- Dense fog
- Wind shear
- Turbulence
- Low-level jets
- Thermal inversions
- Icing conditions
- Poor visibility
- Convective weather developments
These alerts can significantly reduce disruptions during takeoff and landing operations.
Technologies Powering SkyCast
The integrated platform combines multiple state-of-the-art atmospheric monitoring systems:
- Radar Wind Profiler (RWP)
- Microwave Profiling Radiometer (MPR)
- SODAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging)
- Ground-Based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer
- CL61 Lidar Ceilometer
- Automated Weather Stations (AWS)
Together, these technologies provide an unprecedented level of weather awareness for airport operations.
Benefits for Air Travelers
Passengers can expect:
- Reduced flight delays during fog season
- Fewer weather-related cancellations
- Better on-time performance
- Enhanced flight safety
- Improved landing and takeoff efficiency
- More reliable travel schedules
According to officials, SkyCast can provide actionable warnings up to three hours in advance, giving airlines and pilots enough time to plan operations efficiently.
Developed Under Mission Mausam
SkyCast is one of the flagship outcomes of India's Mission Mausam program, which aims to modernize weather forecasting infrastructure across the country.
The technology builds upon years of research from the Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX), jointly conducted by the India Meteorological Department and scientific institutions to better understand Delhi's severe fog conditions.
Expansion Plans Across India
Following the successful deployment at Delhi Airport, the government has confirmed that the next SkyCast facility will be installed at Noida International Airport.
Future expansion is also planned for major airports including:
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- Varanasi
- Other key aviation hubs across India
The rollout is expected to strengthen aviation safety nationwide while improving weather forecasting capabilities beyond airports.
Why This Matters
Delhi Airport handles more than 1,300 flight movements daily, making it one of the busiest airports in Asia. Even minor weather disruptions can affect thousands of passengers and create cascading delays across the aviation network.
With SkyCast now operational, India is entering a new era of weather-smart aviation, where advanced meteorological intelligence can help minimize disruptions and improve passenger experience
FAQs
What is SkyCast?
SkyCast is India's first integrated aviation weather intelligence and nowcasting system designed to provide real-time weather monitoring and hazard alerts for airports and airlines.
Where was SkyCast launched?
The first SkyCast system has been launched at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
How does SkyCast help passengers?
It helps reduce flight delays, diversions, and cancellations by providing accurate weather forecasts and early warnings to aviation authorities.
Which airport will get SkyCast next?
The next installation is planned at Noida International Airport.
How often does SkyCast update weather information?
The system provides updated aviation weather intelligence every five minutes.
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