What is required to maintain IFR operations at an airport?

To maintain IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations at an airport, it is essential that the weather conditions are at or above the specified approach minimums. This requirement is in place to ensure that pilots have sufficient visibility and cloud clearance to safely conduct approaches and landings using instrument procedures.

When the weather meets or exceeds the approach minimums, it indicates that pilots can rely on their instruments and have the necessary visual references to execute a safe landing. This is crucial for flying in and out of airports when using IFR operations, particularly in poor weather conditions where visibility might be limited.

In contrast, other options present conditions that do not support the maintenance of IFR operations. For example, VFR conditions imply that visibility is good enough for visual flight rules, which is not necessary for IFR operations. Weather below standard minimums prohibits safe IFR operations, and only allowing visual approaches does not align with the requirements for maintaining full IFR operations.