Pune International Airport
Summary
Airport typeMilitary/public
OwnerIndian Air Force
OperatorAirports Authority of India
ServesPune
LocationLohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Opened1939 (1939)
Hub forIndiGo
Elevation AMSL592 m / 1,942 ft
Coordinates18°34′56″N 073°55′11″E / 18.58222°N 73.91972°E / 18.58222; 73.91972
Map
PNQ is located in Maharashtra
PNQ
PNQ
PNQ is located in India
PNQ
PNQ
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
10/28 2,539 8,329 Asphalt
Statistics (April 2022 - March 2023)
Passengers8,007,160 (Increase 115.6%)
Aircraft movements59,451 (Increase 92.9%)
Cargo tonnage39,369 (Increase 37.2%)
Source: AAI[1][2][3]

Pune International Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO) is an international airport and an Indian Air Force base serving the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is located at Lohegaon, approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) northeast of the historic centre of Pune. The airport is a civil enclave operated by the Airports Authority of India at the western side of Lohegaon Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force. The airport is the tenth busiest airport by passenger traffic in India. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. In financial year 2020, the airport handled over 8 million passengers.[4]

Overview

Pune Airport has a 2,540 m long runway oriented 10/28. A former secondary runway is now used as a taxiway by the IAF. A 2200m x 23m parallel taxiway was constructed by AAI to facilitate civil operation on the southern side of runway 10/28. The airfield is equipped with night landing facilities as well as navigational facilities like DVOR/DME and an NDB.[5] As Pune's air traffic control is operated by the IAF,[5] there is often friction between the AAI and the IAF over flight schedules and night landings. There is currently a basic working relationship between the two parties; they have agreed to allow night landings of civilian flights for the time being, though this is not a long-term solution.

History

The airfield was established in 1939 as RAF Pune to provide air security to the city of Mumbai. The base was home to World War II squadrons of de Havilland Mosquito and Vickers Wellington bombers and Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft.[6] In May 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force took charge of the airfield.[7]

Air India commenced a route to Dubai, the airport's first international flight, in December 2005. Indian Airlines began service to Singapore the following day.[8] In 2004–05, the airport handled about 165 passengers a day or around 60,000 passengers. It increased to 250 passengers a day in 2005–06. There was a sharp rise in 2006–07 when the number reached 4,309 passengers 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).[9]

In July 2008, Lufthansa's inaugural flight from Frankfurt arrived in Pune, linking the airport with Europe for the first time. The direct service was operated by PrivatAir and catered to the many automotive, biotechnology and other companies that had operations in the city.[10][11] PrivatAir flew the route with a long-range version of an Airbus A319 that only had business-class seats; the Pune airport's short runway meant that Lufthansa could not use a larger jet with an economy-class cabin.[12][13] PrivatAir also had to reduce the seating capacity so that the aircraft could carry enough fuel for the long-haul flight.[13]

A ₹ 100 crore 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 12,000 m2 (130,000 sq ft) on either side of the 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft) 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.[14] In 2010, Lufthansa introduced economy class on the Frankfurt route; due to the recession, companies preferred to book economy-class tickets for their employees.[15]

Two aerobridges were commissioned in 2011. New conveyor belts and passenger facilities including a modern spa were also commissioned.[14] An Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been proposed to ensure smooth takeoffs and landings even in deteriorated weather conditions.[16] 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.[17]

Lufthansa stopped flying to Frankfurt in June 2018, as it had suspended its wet-lease arrangement with PrivatAir.[18] Five months later, Lufthansa resumed the link using its own plane. The flights made a technical stop in Baku.[19][20] Afterward, the carrier reached a new agreement with PrivatAir whereby the latter would take over the route in February 2019. PrivatAir went bankrupt in December 2018, however. As a result, the last Lufthansa flight departed Pune in January 2019.[21][22]

The Airports Authority of India has invested ₹ 40 crore in 2018 for a brand new second terminal, which will be integrated into the existing one in order to ease air traffic. Construction began in late 2018 and is expected to be completed by July 2023.[23]

Airlines and destinations

AirlinesDestinationsRefs.
Air India Delhi, Mumbai[24][25]
Air India Express Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow[26][27]
Akasa Air Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Delhi [28]
Alliance AirHyderabad
IndiGoAhmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun,[29] Delhi, Goa–Mopa,[30] Guwahati, Hubli,[31] Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur,[32] Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Patna, Prayagraj, Raipur, Rajkot,[33] Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara,[34] Varanasi (resumes 12 February 2024),[35] Visakhapatnam [36]
SpiceJet Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhavnagar, Chennai, Delhi, Dubai–International, Goa–Dabolim, Goa–Mopa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Madurai, Surat[37][38]
Star AirBangalore, Hyderabad,[39] Kishangarh[40]
Vistara[41] Delhi, Singapore[42][43]

Statistics

Annual passenger traffic at PNQ airport. See Wikidata query.
Traffic by financial year
Financial YearPassengersChange from previous yearAircraft operationsCargo tonnage[44]
2022-23 80,07,160Increase115.6%59,45139,369
2021-22 37,13,491Increase73.7%N/AN/A
2020-21 21,37,859Decrease73.6%19,831N/A
2019-20 80,85,607Decrease10.9%54,261N/A
2018-19 90,70,917Increase11.1%59,888N/A
2017-18 81,64,840Increase20.6%56,02141,566
2016-17 67,87,391Increase25.3%46,93235,312
2015-16 54,17,167Increase29.3%40,72631,766

Future

Aircraft at Pune Airport

Cargo terminal

There is a proposal of creating an international cargo facility from this airport. This project will enable foreign cargo operators to operate in the airport. The airport 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 the airport. The 600 sq.m. terminal will be located adjacent to the new adjacent second terminal.[45]

Airport expansion

A second terminal is under construction on the eastern side of the current airport terminal. It will be twice the size of the current terminal. It will have five aerobridges and advanced technologies with duty-free shops and food courts. It was estimated to be completed by the end of 2020, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which caused lockdowns and curfews, lack of labour caused several delays in work. In September 2021, construction work resumed. As of November 2022, the new terminal was 75% completed, and was expected to be completed by May 2023. It is completed construction and soon to be inaugurated. [46]

Proposal for a new international 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 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.[47] Probable sites for this project had earlier included areas around Talegaon Dabhade and Saswad near Pune. An area between 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. This site is not very distant from the city but is nearby to the city limits.The greenfield airport will be located near the villages of Ambodi, Sonori, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur-Munjawadi, Khanwadi, Pargaon Memane, Rajewadi, Aamble, Tekwadi, Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, and Singapur near Saswad and Jejuri in Purandar taluka of Pune District in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[48] 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 Ajit Pawar told the Pune district administration to check the feasibility of developing the new Pune International 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.

Access

Pre-paid taxicab and auto rickshaw services to and from airport are available. Coach services to various key locations in Pune and private car rental services are also available. PMPML also operates airport shuttle to and from the city.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Annexure III – Passenger Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  2. ↑ "Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  3. ↑ "Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  4. ↑ "Leading airports across India in financial year 2020, by number of passengers handled(in millions)". statista. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  5. 1 2 AAI website, 1 November 2011, archived from the original on 8 February 2012, retrieved 1 February 2012
  6. ↑ "Lohegaon airbase celebrates Indian Air Force's 80th anniversary". The Times of India. 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  7. ↑ "Back To India". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  8. ↑ "Pune airport accorded international status". Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  9. ↑ "Passenger traffic at Pune airport takes a big leap". Indian Express. 14 October 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  10. ↑ "Lufthansa commences Pune-Frankfurt direct service". United News of India. 2 July 2008.
  11. ↑ "2 Casualties Don't Deter All-Business-Class Rivalry". The New York Times. 29 April 2008. ProQuest 2222262186.
  12. ↑ "Lufthansa introduces non-stop service between Pune-Frankfurt" (Press release). Lufthansa. 21 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 May 2008. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  13. 1 2 Kelkar, Siddharth (2 July 2008). "Lufthansa's first 'all business' flight". The Indian Express. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Pune airport braces for swanky look AAI to spend Rs 20 cr". The Times of India. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  15. ↑ "Lufthansa to offer economy class on Pune-Frankfurt flight". The Hindu BusinessLine. 7 January 2010.
  16. ↑ "Indian Air Force projects MAFI, GAGAN to benefit Pune airport". Indian Express. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  17. ↑ TOI, 23 March 2015, archived from the original on 2 April 2015, retrieved 23 March 2015
  18. ↑ Sengupta, Joy (22 July 2018). "Lufthansa grounds flight to Frankfurt till October". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  19. ↑ Liu, Jim (26 September 2018). "Lufthansa adjusts Pune service in W18". Routesonline. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  20. ↑ Sengupta, Joy (25 July 2019). "German firms & businessmen rue Lufthansa flight suspension". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  21. ↑ Sengupta, Joy (19 December 2018). "Lufthansa to suspend flight to Frankfurt from Feb 1". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  22. ↑ Sengupta, Joy (8 December 2018). "Flight to Frankfurt hits air pocket". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  23. ↑ Jigar Hindocha (27 February 2023). "Maharashtra: 75% work of new terminal building of Pune airport completed | Pune News - Hindustan Times". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  24. ↑ "Air India to start Mumbai to Pune service with effect from 26 March". JetArena. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  25. ↑ "Direct flights from Pune - Air India". www.flightsfrom.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  26. ↑ "AirAsia India to commence Lucknow-Pune service in May-2023". CAPA. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  27. ↑ "Direct flights from Pune - AirAsia India". www.flightsfrom.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  28. ↑ "Akasa Air Flight Network". Akasa Air. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  29. ↑ Joshi, Gaurav (12 January 2023). "IndiGo Launches Nonstop Flight From Pune To Dehradun". Simple Flying. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  30. ↑ "IndiGo's largest ever new station launch at New Goa International Airport". IndiGo. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  31. ↑ "IndiGo to start Hubballi Pune direct flight from February 5". Hubballi Infra. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  32. ↑ Pall, Samreen (13 June 2023). "Pune Airport: Indigo Starts Six New Flights; Check Routes, Fare and More". News18. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  33. ↑ Mondal, Anish (10 September 2023). "Gujarat: Rajkot International Airport starts functioning, IndiGo to operate all its services from here – Details inside". The Financial Express. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  34. ↑ "Good news folks! Vadodara is going to connect directly with the Queen of the Deccan, starting 3 July". Vadodara Airport. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  35. ↑ "INDIGO 1H23 DOMESTIC ROUTES ADDITION SUMMARY – 05MAR23". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  36. ↑ "Direct flights from Pune - IndiGo". www.flightsfrom.com. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  37. ↑ "SpiceJet to commence Pune-Goa Mopa service in Oct-2023". CAPA. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  38. ↑ "SpiceJet Flight Schedule". SpiceJet. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  39. ↑ "Star Air Announces Pune-Hyderabad Flight From July 26, Deploys Embraer E175 Plane". Zee News. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  40. ↑ Bengrut, Dheeraj (29 October 2023). "New air service from Pune to Kishangarh". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  41. ↑ "Vistara Flight Schedule". Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  42. ↑ Sengupta, Joy (2 December 2022). "Vistara starts Pune-Singapore direct flight". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  43. ↑ "Direct flights from Pune - Vistara". www.flightsfrom.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  44. ↑ Total cargo (Freight, Express, & Mail).
  45. ↑ Lohegaon airport to have int’l cargo centre
  46. ↑ "Pune airport to get new terminal building by May: Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia". Times Now. 26 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  47. ↑ Our Corporate Bureau (10 August 2004). "New airport for Pune". Business Standard India. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  48. ↑ "State wants more land for project". Sakaal Times. 24 December 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2012.

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