Pune Airport: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

| name         = Pune International Airport

| image         = Departure_Lounge_Pune_Airport_India.jpg

| image-width   = 250

| IATA         = PNQ

| ICAO         = VAPO

| type         = Military/Public

| owner         = [[Indian Air Force]]

| operator     = [[Airports Authority of India]]

| city-served   = [[Pune]]

| location     = {{cvt|10|km}} NE of [[Pune, Maharashtra]], India

| hub           = [[IndiGo]]

| elevation-f   = 1,942

| elevation-m   = 592

| metric-elev   = yes

| coordinates   = {{coord|18|34|56|N|073|55|11|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}

| website       =  

| pushpin_map   = India Maharashtra#India

| pushpin_label = '''PNQ'''

| r1-number     = 10/28

| r1-length-f   = 8,329

| r1-length-m   = 2,539

| r1-surface   = [[Asphalt]]

| metric-rwy   = y

| stat1-header = Passenger movements

| stat1-data   = 2,137,859({{decrease}}73.6%)

| stat-year     = April 2020 - March 2021

| footnotes     = Source: [[Airport Authority of India|AAI]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure III - Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar202kAnnex3.pdf|website=www.aai.aero|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure II - Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar202kAnnex2.pdf|website=www.aai.aero|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure IV - Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar202kAnnex4.pdf|website=www.aai.aero|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref>

| stat2-header = Aircraft movements

| stat2-data   = 19,831({{decrease}}63.5%)

| stat3-header = Cargo tonnage

| stat3-data   = 26,419({{decrease}}30.5%)

|}}

'''Pune International Airport''', {{Airport codes|PNQ|VAPO}} is an [[International airport|International Airport]] located approximately {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of the historic centre of [[Pune]] in the state of [[Maharashtra]], India. The airport is a [[civil enclave]] operated by the [[Airports Authority of India]] at the western side of [[Lohagaon]] Air Force Station of the [[Indian Air Force]]. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, especially to West Asia. In financial year 2020, the airport handled 8.09 million passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/589115/indian-airports-passenger-traffic/|title=Leading airports across India in financial year 2020, by number of passengers handled(in millions)|website=statista|access-date=27 January 2021}}</ref> The increasing flights have made construction of a new terminal and runway expansion mandatory. The airport is awarded as best airport by hygiene measures in [[Asia-Pacific]] in 2020 by [[Airports Council International]].<ref>http://aci.aero/customer-experience-asq/asq-awards-and-recognition/asq-awards/current-winner-2020/best-hygiene-measures/</ref> Pune airport handled domestic transportation of over 10 crore [[Covishield]] doses till 27 May 2021.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pune-airport-handled-domestic-transportation-of-over-10-crore-covishield-doses-till-may-27-aai/articleshow/83204033.cms</ref>

The airfield was established in 1939 as [[RAF]] Poona to provide air security to the city of Bombay (now [[Mumbai]]). The base was home to [[World War II]] squadrons of [[de Havilland Mosquito]] and [[Vickers Wellington]] bombers and [[Supermarine Spitfire]] fighter aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lohegaon airbase celebrates Indian Air Force's 80th anniversary |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-03/pune/34238121_1_frontline-fighter-aircraft-iaf-base-air-base |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629132957/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-03/pune/34238121_1_frontline-fighter-aircraft-iaf-base-air-base |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2012|access-date=28 May 2013}}</ref> In May 1947, the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] took charge of the airfield.<ref>{{cite web|title=Back To India|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1950s/Ratnagar02.html|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=28 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802193406/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1950s/Ratnagar02.html|archive-date=2 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Pune Airport was declared as a customs airport in January 1997 for the export of specified goods. With effect from 12 December 2005, Pune Airport was certified as a customs airport for the clearance of passengers and baggage.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pune Customs website |url=http://www.punecustoms.nic.in/aboutus.htm |access-date=1 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119183536/http://www.punecustoms.nic.in/aboutus.htm |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> International flights to Dubai and Singapore commenced by [[Indian (airline)|Indian (Previously Indian Airlines)]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/dec/12pune.htm|title=Pune airport accorded international status|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref> These flights however were  not cancelled later. In 2004–05, Pune Airport handled about 165 passengers a day or around 60,000 a year. It increased to 250 passengers a day in 2005–06. There was a sharp rise in 2006–07 when passengers reached 4,309 a day (1,500,000 a year) and more than 2.8 million passengers a year in 2010– 2011 (about 8,000 passengers a day).<ref name=IE>{{cite news|title=Passenger traffic at Pune airport takes a big leap |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/passenger-traffic-at-pune-airport-takes-a-big-leap/859721/0 |work=[[Indian Express]] |date= 14 October 2011|access-date=1 February 2012}}</ref> Pune International Airport at [[Lohegaon]] was ranked third best in the category of 5-15 million passengers by Airport Service Quality.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-08|title=Pune Airport ranked third best in the category of 5-15 million passengers|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/pune-airport-ranked-third-best-in-the-category-of-5-15-million-passengers/story-5tJhfrYuUHdNJ1keUXoF0O.html|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

A {{INR}} 1 billion airport modernisation plan was launched in preparation for the [[Commonwealth Youth Games]] hosted by Pune. In August 2008, AAI completed construction of two new terminal extensions for international passenger departures and arrivals, measuring nearly {{cvt|12,000|sqm}} on either side of the {{cvt|6,500|sqm}} old main terminal building which was inadequate for the increase in passengers and flight operations. The terminal extensions have helped ease peak-time pressure of air passengers. Facilities developed on the air side include a new parallel taxi track and an apron expanded to accommodate eight [[Airbus A320]] or [[Boeing 737]] aircraft. Two [[aerobridges]] were also commissioned in 2011. New conveyor belts and passenger facilities including a modern spa were also commissioned.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pune airport braces for swanky look AAI to spend Rs 20 cr |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-19/pune/30297378_1_terminal-building-lohegaon-airport-airport-security |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104015821/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-19/pune/30297378_1_terminal-building-lohegaon-airport-airport-security |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |date= 19 October 2011|work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 February 2012}}</ref>

The [[Airports Authority of India]] will invest {{INR}} 400&nbsp;million in 2018 for a brand new terminal building at Lohagaon which will be integrated into the existing one in order to ease air traffic while land is still being acquired for the new greenfield international airport at Purandar.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

All the offices of the AAI and the Central Industrial Security Force will move to the new administrative block, creating more space in the terminal building. The building will also house a VIP lounge with independent access to the airport terminal building. The airport power sub-station near the entrance gate will also be shifted to the new building this freeing up more space for developing passenger amenities.<ref name="TOI">{{citation |title=TOI|url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=23_03_2015_003_005&type=A&eid=31814 |date= 23 March 2015|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref>

The runway is also under renovation and will be extended to 3,250m (10,662 feet) from the current length of 2,600m.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} After completion of the ongoing renovation work, the airport will be able to handle larger aircraft than currently possible. The Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt currently must stop to refuel due to payload constraints at Pune, arising out of the short runway. The flight departs from Pune Airport with partially filled fuel tanks and refuels again on the way.<ref>{{cite news|title=Short runway forces midway refuelling: Lufthansa |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/short-runway-forces-midway-refuelling-lufthansa/864213/0|work=[[Indian Express]] |date= 23 October 2011|access-date=9 July 2012}}</ref> An [[Instrument Landing System]] (ILS) has also been proposed to ensure smooth takeoffs and landings even in deteriorated weather conditions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Air Force projects MAFI, GAGAN to benefit Pune airport |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-projects-mafi-gagan-to-benefit-pune-airport/778566/0|work=[[Indian Express]] |date= 20 April 2011|access-date=1 February 2012}}</ref>

{{Airport-dest-list

|{{nowrap|[[AirAsia India]]}}|[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Biju Patnaik Airport|Bhubaneswar]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Jaipur International Airport|Jaipur]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/airasia-india-to-commence-kolkata-pune-service-in-mar-2020-978262|title=AirAsia India to commence Kolkata-Pune service in Mar-2020|work=CAPA|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> [[Birsa Munda Airport|Ranchi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airasia.co.in/flight-availability?/PNQ/IXR/2021-09-21/N/1/0/0/0/0/0/0/O/N/INR/ST}}</ref>

|[[Air India]] | [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]],<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1305472717999583234|user=airindiain|title=#FlyAI: Now fly direct between Bengaluru and Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune starting 16th September 2020. For details ,…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=14 September 2020}}</ref> [[Raja Bhoj Airport|Bhopal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-air-india-bhopal-pune-flight-will-start-from-march-28-schedule-released-6686644|title=Air India's Bhopal-Pune flight will start from March 28|work=Naidunia|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]],<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1347847835778105349|user=airindiain|title=#FlyAI : Air India is set to launch four-days-a-week service on the Kolkata-Pune-Kolkata sector from 16th January,…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |access-date=12 January 2021|date=9 January 2021}}</ref> [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]

|[[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]]| [[Belgaum Airport|Belgaum]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/where-we-fly.htm|title=Alliance Air Schedule|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> [[Nashik Airport|Nashik]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/alliance-air.html|title=Alliance Air Schedule|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>

|[[Go First (airline)|Go First]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Budget airline GoAir rebrands as Go First|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget-airline-goair-rebrands-as-go-first/article34552775.ece}}</ref>| [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport|Nagpur]]

|[[IndiGo]]| [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Allahabad Airport|Allahabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chandigarh International Airport|Chandigarh]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]] (begins 16 January 2022),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/12/09/2021/Indigo-to-connect-one-more-Indian-city-from-Doha|title=Indigo to connect one more Indian city from Doha|access-date=22 October 2021}}</ref> [[Dabolim Airport|Goa]], [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Scindia inaugurates IndiGo’s Guwahati-Pune flight |url=https://www.eastmojo.com/assam/2021/12/16/scindia-inaugurates-indigos-guwahati-pune-flight/ |website=EastMojo |access-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport|Indore]], [[Jaipur International Airport|Jaipur]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport|Lucknow]], [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport|Nagpur]], [[Jay Prakash Narayan Airport|Patna]], [[Swami Vivekananda Airport|Raipur]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indigo-to-start-38-new-domestic-flights-in-september-to-boost-domestic-network/amp-11631540572948.html?__twitter_impression=true|title=IndiGo to start 38 new domestic flights in September to boost domestic network}}</ref> [[Birsa Munda Airport|Ranchi]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lagatar.in/indigos-new-flight-between-ranchi-pune-will-start-from-august-21/126796/|title=21 अगस्त से शुरू होगी रांची-पुणे के बीच इंडिगो की नयी फ्लाइट &#124; Jharkhand News &#124; Jharkhand Hindi News &#124; Ranchi News &#124; Lagatar News|date=7 August 2021}}</ref> [[Trivandrum International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/city-to-get-5-direct-flights-to-smaller-cities-later-this-month/articleshow/85336669.cms?from=mdr|title=Pune to get 5 direct flights to smaller cities later this month}}</ref>

|[[SpiceJet]]| [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]],<ref name="SpiceJet flight schedule">{{cite web|url=https://www.spicejet.com/Schedules.aspx|title=SpiceJet flight schedule|work=SpiceJet|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Dabolim Airport|Goa]], [[Gwalior Airport|Gwalior]],<ref name="SpiceJet flight schedule"/> [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Jabalpur Airport|Jabalpur]],<ref name="SpiceJet flight schedule"/> [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Jay Prakash Narayan Airport|Patna]], [[Surat Airport|Surat]], [[Tirupati Airport|Tirupati]], [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport|Varanasi]]<ref name="SpiceJet flight schedule" />

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|[[Vistara]]|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]

[[File:Pune Airport 06.jpg|thumb|Aircraft at Pune International Airport]]

There is a proposal of creating an international cargo facility from this airport. This project will enable foreign cargo operators to operate to Pune. Pune was declared as customs airport on 17 January 1997, primarily for exporting perishable agricultural products. This project will also help to attract of foreign airlines to operate to Pune. This 600 sqm terminal will be located adjacent to the new arrival terminal.<ref>[http://www.sakaaltimes.com/20110331/5403133051666636423.htm Lohegaon airport to have int’l cargo centre]</ref>

 

A plan for the extension of runway at [[Lohegaon]] airport still stuck over acquisition of a private plot on the airport's western side, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has now requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) to carry out the proposed expansion on the eastern side, on land owned by the air force. This project is very important for Pune city considering the growth in air traffic. Since the Purandar airport may take a few years to come up, the capacity of Lohegaon airport to handle traffic has to be increased. One of the major constraints the airport faces today is the short runway length. It has been proposed to extend the length of the runway to 10,662 feet or approx. 3250 meters. The extension of the runway is critical for the operation of widebody aircraft like Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, which carry more passengers compared to narrowbodies like Airbus 319s, 320s and Boeing 737s that currently operate from the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/aai-pune-lohegaon-airport-runway-indian-air-force-5051719/ |title=AAI proposes extension of runway on IAF land on eastern side of Lohegaon airport |work=Indianexpress|access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref>

A second terminal is being built up at the Eastern side of the current airport terminal. It will be twice the size of the current terminal. It will have 5 aerobridges and advanced technologies with duty-free shops and food courts. It was estimated to be completed till end of year 2020, but due to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]], which caused lockdowns and curfews, it resulted in lack of labour and caused several delays in work. As of September 2021, construction work has been resumed and is expected to be completed by August/September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pune Airport to get new terminal building with enhanced capacity by August 2022; Check salient features {{!}} Business News|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/business-economy/industry/article/pune-airport-to-get-new-terminal-building-with-enhanced-capacity-by-august-2022-check-salient-features/813923|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.timesnownews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-03|title=Pune Infra watch: Expanded Lohegaon airport to be completed by September 2022|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-infra-watch-expanded-lohegaon-airport-to-be-completed-by-september-2022-7484183/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

===Proposal for new airport===

Due to the limited expansion options available, the airport will not be able to cope with the growing demand for air traffic into Pune. Hence, a [[greenfield project|greenfield]] airport for the Pune metropolitan region has been proposed. The [[Government of Maharashtra]] has entrusted the responsibility to [[Maharashtra Airport Development Company]] (MADC) for executing the Pune International Airport project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/new-airport-for-pune/158444/|title=New airport for Pune|author=Our Corporate Bureau|date=10 August 2004|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref> Probable sites for this project had earlier included areas around [[Talegaon Dabhade]] and [[Saswad]] near Pune. An area between [[Chakan, Maharashtra|Chakan]] and [[Rajgurunagar]], around the villages of Chandus and [[Shiroli]] was under consideration.

However, due to land acquisition issues, a new site has been proposed. The [[greenfield airport]] will be located near the villages of Ambodi, Sonori, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur-Munjawadi, Khanwadi, Pargaon Memane, Rajewadi, Aamble, Tekwadi, Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Singapur near [[Saswad]] and [[Jejuri]] in [[Purandar taluka]] of [[Pune District]] in the Indian state of [[Maharashtra]].<ref name="ST">{{cite news |title=State wants more land for project |url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/20111224/4873248869740471293.htm |work=[[Sakaal Times]] |date=24 December 2011|access-date=29 August 2012}}</ref> The proposed airport in Purandar will be spread over 2,400 hectares. This airport will also boost trade from Pune and neighbouring districts as it will have its own dedicated cargo terminal. MADC requested proposals from consultants to conduct techno-economic feasibility studies, assist in obtaining the required statutory approvals and provide project management services.

In August 2020, [[Deputy Chief Minister|deputy chief minister]] [[Ajit Pawar]] told the Pune district administration to check the feasibility of developing the new Pune airport at an alternative site proposed by Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap. The MLA had proposed land acquisition at Pandeshwar, Rise and Pise villages, instead of the seven villages in Purandar taluka which have opposed land acquisition since the project was announced in October 2016. Total land acquisition cost is expected to be ₹ 4000 crore for the existing site. If the new site gets approved, land acquisition cost is likely to reduce.

Senior officials of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) have said that shifting the site of the Purandar airport will lead to delay of more than two years in getting fresh approvals, and carrying out surveys of the new site.