Bengaluru Airport to become India's first to deploy Point Merge System for air traffic

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to become the first airport in India to deploy the Point Merge System (PMS), an advanced air traffic management technology designed to improve aircraft sequencing during arrivals. According to reporting by Deccan Herald, trials of the system will begin on September 3 and run for three months until December 2.

The initiative forms part of the airport's wider strategy to prepare for rising air traffic as Bengaluru Airport works towards more than doubling its passenger handling capacity by 2035.

Advanced arrival system aims to improve aircraft flow

According to G Sambath Kumar, General Manager (ATM) at KIA under the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Point Merge System is a structured arrival management tool built around pre-defined flight paths that help controllers organise inbound aircraft more efficiently.

Instead of relying solely on tactical decisions during final approach, the system uses pre-coded routes arranged around a central merge point. Aircraft are positioned along these routes based on their speed, location and required separation before being merged into the final landing sequence.

Kumar told Deccan Herald the technology gives controllers greater flexibility to adjust aircraft spacing while maintaining safe operations.

How the Point Merge System works

The new air traffic management system is designed to create a more predictable and orderly arrival process.

Key features include:

• Pre-defined arrival routes built around a central merge point
• Aircraft sequencing based on speed, position and spacing requirements
• Improved flexibility for controllers during the final stages of approach
• Reduced dependence on manual judgement while retaining controller oversight
• Better management of aircraft within the final 20 nautical miles before landing

According to Kumar, controllers can keep an aircraft on the designated route for longer if spacing becomes too tight or reduce gaps by repositioning aircraft where required.

Focus on operational efficiency and sustainability

The technology is also expected to improve operational efficiency by reducing unnecessary airborne manoeuvres.