Pune’s New Airport Terminal Ready For Inauguration, But Flight Operations To Commence After A Month
Pune, 7th March 2024: After months of anticipation, the inauguration of the city’s new airport terminal building, scheduled for March 10, will not mark the immediate commencement of flight operations, according to Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke.
The much-awaited facility, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi via video conferencing, will undergo additional testing and a phased transition from the existing building before flights can take off.
Director Dhoke explained, “While the testing of the new terminal’s systems is nearing completion, additional test runs are required before actual flight operations can commence. The CM and deputy CM will be present in Pune for the ceremony.”
An airport official elaborated on the extensive process, stating, “The entire system from the existing building, including airline operations, various counters, customs, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) activities, as well as baggage scanning, will be shifted. Given the complexity of these operations, tests are indispensable. Airlines will also need time to settle in before resuming operations. The entire transition process is expected to take at least a month.”
The official added, “During this period, we will strategize additional measures, including improving passenger access to the new building and AeroMall. The airport plans to deploy two low-floor buses to transport passengers from the arrival area to the AeroMall, where the cab pick-up zone is located. Operations from the new building are anticipated to commence by early to mid-April.”
The Rs475 crore new terminal, despite facing controversies and political attention from opposition parties over delays in its inauguration, promises a more extensive area with an annual passenger capacity of 12 million and a per-hour capacity of 1,400 passengers. Boasting five aerobridges and five baggage belts, the old building will be closed down once the new one becomes operational. However, a total of 10 aerobridges will still be accessible to flyers. The old building is slated for renovation and reopening a year later, offering passengers the use of nine baggage belts. Notably, the new terminal incorporates two inline baggage screening systems, eliminating the need for passengers to scan their luggage before reaching check-in counters.
