Why Pune International Airport Is Urgently Needed: A Closer Look
Sumit Singh
Pune, 8th September 2023: A recent economic survey has shed light on Pune’s remarkable economic growth within Maharashtra’s districts. With an astounding 203 out of Maharashtra’s total 577 private IT parks, the region has attracted an impressive industrial investment of Rs 1.67 lakh crore, out of the state’s total of Rs 3.79 lakh crore, underscoring its economic significance.
However, despite this exceptional economic performance, the aviation landscape in Pune does not mirror this growth. In the fiscal year 2021-22, Pune Airport served only 3.69 million domestic passengers and a mere 18,000 international travelers, while nearby Mumbai Airport managed a staggering 18.5 million domestic passengers and 3.183 million international travelers.
In stark contrast, Pune Airport handled just 28,697 metric tons of domestic cargo in 2022, with no international cargo. Meanwhile, Mumbai Airport’s domestic cargo exceeded 2.14 lakh metric tons, and international cargo reached 5.56 lakh metric tons.
An aviation expert, emphasized the growing demands in both defence and civilian aviation. He explained, “In the past, defence and civilian aviation shared the same airports in many cities. However, in the last two decades, as defence needs increased by nearly 20%, the demand for civilian aviation also surged in Pune. Defence airfields operate continuously with training and exercises, and civilian traffic is encroaching upon that.”
Further complicating matters, Lohagaon Airport imposes daily and Saturday blocks, resulting in inconvenient travel schedules for passengers.
Jay Sharma, a businessman with extensive operations in Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and the northern regions, finds himself traveling from Mumbai due to the lack of direct flights from Pune. Similarly, Aniket Dhamale, who runs a tourism company and frequently visits foreign clients, faces the same predicament, being forced to depart from Mumbai.
Sharma pointed out, “This significantly increases travel costs and wastes valuable time. Early morning flights mean waking up at 2 am and spending the entire working day sleep-deprived.”
Concerns loom among proponents of the Purandar Airport’s construction, as the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport threatens to further delay Pune Airport’s expansion plans. This new airport, located approximately 40 kilometers or more from Pune, presents substantial challenges for Pune’s travelers.
While various governments have explored the possibility of new airports in Pune, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is focusing on expanding the existing airport to accommodate the growing influx of civilian flights. This expansion includes a new terminal building, increasing the airport’s total area from 22,300 square meters to around 70,000 square meters, and introducing multi-level car parking and a cargo complex.
The new Pune Airport terminal will undoubtedly address some of Pune’s aviation challenges, but the delicate balance between civilian operations and defense needs remains a formidable challenge.
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