The Pune Airport Authority of India (AAI) has proposed the creation of three new remote bays. This initiative is aimed at addressing the significant challenges faced by airlines due to limited parking space at the airport.
The issue has been highlighted by the recent incident on May 16, when an Air India flight from Pune to Delhi was involved in an accident, necessitating the use of parking bay number 1 for an extended period of one-and-a-half months. This incident further strained the already limited parking capacity, which accommodates only 10 aircraft.
Currently, the lack of sufficient parking bays has led to a cascading effect on passenger flights. With aircraft often occupying parking spots for days or even weeks, delays in boarding, flight delays, and extended waiting times have become frequent occurrences. Passengers have faced considerable inconvenience, with some flights being forced to hover over the airport or delay disembarkation upon landing due to the unavailability of parking space. To mitigate these issues, the Pune AAI has proposed the development of three remote bays at Lohegaon Pune Airport. The plan has been communicated to the AAI headquarters, with a request for additional space to facilitate these new bays. Remote bays, which are already in use at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, are intended to provide additional parking capacity for aircraft, particularly during peak times.
The Pune Airport director has emphasised the need for these remote bays to enhance operational efficiency. “The proposal for three remote bays is in progress, and we are working on acquiring the necessary space to implement this solution. As soon as additional space becomes available, we will proceed with the installation of the remote bays,” he stated. This move is expected to significantly improve the scheduling and management of flights, reduce delays, and enhance overall passenger experience. The proposed remote bays are anticipated to alleviate parking congestion and streamline airport operations, contributing to a more efficient and passenger-friendly environment at Pune Airport.
