The Pune International Airport is set to undergo a major expansion as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to transfer 13 acres of land by September 2026. This development comes as the airport faces increasing passenger traffic and the need for enhanced infrastructure.
Infrastructure Improvements Planned
Airport officials have confirmed plans to construct five new parking bays and three remote aircraft bays on the transferred land. The expansion aims to address current congestion issues and accommodate growing flight movements, which recently reached a record high of 212 operations in a single day.
The existing facility currently operates with 10 parking bays, often leading to delayed landings and flight bunching during peak hours. The new infrastructure is expected to be operational by early 2027, pending smooth execution of the project.
Increased Flight Capacity
In a related development, the IAF has already allocated 15 additional flight slots between 6 AM and 10:30 PM for commercial operations. This increase brings the total available slots to 235, with 207 currently in use, significantly improving the airport’s operational capacity.
Modernization Timeline
The land transfer agreement includes a provision requiring the construction of new office structures for the IAF on an alternative site. This construction is reportedly 95% complete and expected to be handed over within three months.
Additionally, renovation work on the old terminal building’s arrival area is progressing rapidly, with completion targeted for December. The space will be transformed into a departure area featuring 14 new check-in counters, further enhancing passenger processing capabilities.
Future Impact
These improvements are expected to significantly reduce congestion, improve flight punctuality, and enhance overall passenger experience at one of western India’s fastest-growing airports. The expansion project represents a crucial step in accommodating Pune’s increasing air traffic demands and supporting the region’s economic growth.
