Pune Airport’s New Terminal Ready for Inauguration in 2-3 Weeks, Says Civil Aviation Minister
Viman Nagar, 13th January 2024: Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Civil Aviation Minister, announced on Friday that the inauguration of the new terminal building at Pune airport is scheduled to take place in the next three weeks. During an inspection of the facility, the minister emphasized the significance of incorporating local culture into infrastructure development, pointing out Pune’s iconic wadas as a reflection in the design.
Expressing his displeasure, Minister Scindia noticed spots on the tiles of the terminal building’s front side and stressed the importance of maintaining absolute cleanliness in the new airport. He suggested minor changes to enhance the aesthetic appeal, emphasizing the need for strict cleanliness standards.
Addressing the concerns, Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke clarified that the inauguration wouldn’t immediately initiate flight operations at the new terminal. The transition involves the relocation of airlines, customs, CISF, and other stakeholders to the new facility. Subsequent test runs on their systems will be conducted to identify and address any potential glitches. This meticulous process is expected to take a month, following which flight operations will commence.
With an annual passenger handling capacity of 12 million (1.2 crore), the new terminal surpasses the existing building’s capacity of 7.1 million (71 lakh). Once the new terminal becomes operational, the old building will be temporarily closed for renovation.
Minister Scindia also addressed plans for the airport’s runway extension, indicating ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence. He confirmed that the new Pune airport had received approval from the ministry, and now the state government is tasked with arranging the necessary land for its expansion. The developments signify a significant step forward in Pune’s aviation infrastructure, aligning with the city’s cultural identity while ensuring enhanced operational efficiency.
