Enhanced Capacity and Amenities: Pune Airport’s New Terminal Ready for Takeoff from July 14
Viman Nagar, 9th July 2024: Pune Airport’s New Integrated Terminal Building will become operational on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The inauguration will take place in the esteemed presence of Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation.
Air India and Air India Express will be the first airlines to commence operations from the new terminal. The inaugural flight, Air India Flight AI – 858 (Pune – Delhi), will mark the beginning of this new chapter. Minister Mohol will facilitate the first passenger by handing over the boarding pass. Other airlines currently operating at Pune Airport will transition to the new terminal in a phased manner.
The current terminal, with a built-up area of only 22,000 square meters, handles up to seven million passengers per annum (MPPA). The new terminal, boasting a massive built-up area of over 52,000 square meters, will significantly increase capacity to nine MPPA, catering to the rising air traffic demands.
This state-of-the-art facility will be centrally air-conditioned and feature five additional passenger boarding bridges, bringing the total to ten. This enhancement will ensure a seamless and hassle-free movement for passengers from the terminal building to the aircraft. Additionally, 34 check-in counters and 25 self-check-in counters will provide a faster check-in experience for travelers.
The terminal will be equipped with an advanced In-Line Hold Baggage Handling System (ILHBS), which integrates with the airport’s Baggage Handling System (BHS) for a comprehensive baggage processing and screening mechanism. This automated system, featuring multiple levels of security screening, will streamline the check-in process and eliminate the need for passengers to queue up near X-ray machines for baggage scanning. Utilizing the latest technology, ILHBS will increase airport capacity by enabling faster passenger flow and throughput, thus enhancing overall passenger experience and service levels.
Designed to be energy efficient, the new terminal has achieved a Four-Star GRIHA rating. It includes 915 square meters for food and beverage outlets and 1,206 square meters for retail outlets, providing ample space for passenger refreshment and pleasure.
A notable architectural feature of the new terminal is a huge canopy on the city side, which integrates with the existing building to create a unified facade. Stretching over 400 meters, the veranda provides protection from sun and rain while serving as a grand urban fresco depicting the rich social, historical, and artistic culture of Pune and Maharashtra. Supported by Shaniwar Wada-like beautiful arches and columns built in local dark stone, the facade gives the airport a magnificent look from the city side.
The revamped terminal building will enable Pune Airport to handle the growing passenger traffic and ease congestion inside the terminal, ensuring a more pleasant and efficient travel experience for all passengers.
