Pune airport experienced significant operational disruptions on Thursday, as IndiGo flights faced extensive delays, leaving passengers stranded inside aircraft for hours. Limited aerobridge availability exacerbated the problem, creating a cascading effect that affected other carriers and highlighted infrastructure constraints at one of India’s busiest regional airports. The situation underscores the challenges of scaling urban air mobility sustainably as passenger traffic continues to rise.
Industry sources report that flights from Goa, Ahmedabad, and Bangkok were among those most affected. One passenger from a Goa-bound flight recounted being stuck onboard for three hours after landing due to unavailable parking bays. Similarly, a flyer arriving from Ahmedabad described uncertainty over deboarding, with Air Traffic Control providing minimal guidance. Other airlines operating at Pune also reported delays, reflecting systemic congestion.
Pune airport currently has ten aerobridges to service its domestic and international operations. A senior aviation analyst noted, “The bottleneck illustrates how airport infrastructure in tier-2 cities like Pune struggles to keep pace with growing passenger volumes. When arrivals cluster in early morning hours, limited parking bays can result in prolonged delays and passenger inconvenience.” Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of timely information. One flyer awaiting a Kolkata flight reported arriving at the airport at 1 a.m. for a scheduled 5 a.m. departure, only to face uncertainty about take-off times. Social media posts from other travellers mirrored similar experiences, highlighting the broader human impact of operational inefficiencies.
Aviation experts say these delays raise questions about the resilience of regional airport operations. Pune’s rapid growth as a business and leisure travel hub has increased pressure on its infrastructure, particularly during peak travel periods. Without targeted interventions—such as optimised scheduling, temporary additional stands, or better real-time communication—passenger inconvenience is likely to remain a recurring challenge.
Urban planners emphasise that sustainable airport development must balance growth with operational efficiency and passenger experience. Expanding aerobridge capacity, improving ground handling systems, and integrating digital tracking solutions could reduce congestion while supporting inclusive and equitable air travel. As domestic air traffic in cities like Pune grows, addressing infrastructure limitations is essential to maintain reliability and ensure mobility is accessible for all socio-economic groups.Officials from IndiGo and Pune airport authorities had not immediately responded to requests for comment, but analysts expect that comprehensive operational adjustments will be necessary to prevent similar delays in the future.
