Pune Airport's New Terminal Is Operational, To Boost Capacity And Services

The new terminal building of Pune Airport officially commenced operations on Sunday (14 July), marking a significant enhancement in the airport's capacity and services.

The terminal, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi four months ago, began with two airlines launching their operations from the facility.

The existing terminal, with a built-up area of 22,000 square metres, has a passenger handling capacity of 7 million per annum.

In contrast, the new Rs 475 crore terminal spans 52,000 square metres and can handle up to 9 million passengers annually, significantly enhancing the airport's capacity to meet the growing demand.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was present to witness passengers boarding the first flights from the new terminal. On the first day, the terminal saw nine arrivals and nine departures.

Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke announced that starting Monday, the two airlines would operate approximately 16 arrivals and 16 departures daily from the new building.

Mohol highlighted the significant aviation infrastructure developed in India over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, positioning India as the third-largest aviation sector globally, reports Free Press Journal.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to transition operations of all airlines, totalling eight, to the new terminal in phases. This process is expected to be completed by the end of the first week of August.

The delay in operationalising the new terminal was attributed to a shortage of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. While the airport has a sanctioned strength of 724 CISF personnel, only about 453 were deployed until recently. The AAI had requested additional personnel to ensure smooth operations at both the new and existing terminals during the transition.