Pune airport is on the cusp of a transformative expansion aimed at bolstering its capacity and operational efficiency in response to rising passenger volumes and evolving air travel demands.
With the newly inaugurated integrated terminal building (NITB) now fully operational, officials have shifted focus to the ambitious redevelopment of the old terminal, signalling a new phase in the airport’s growth trajectory. According to senior civil aviation officials, the redevelopment project is advancing rapidly, with a vision to significantly enhance passenger handling capabilities while streamlining airport services. Upon completion, the revamped facility will feature 48 check-in counters, two automated boarding gates, an additional departure gate, and expanded ticket counters. This upgrade is projected to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity to approximately 10.5 million (1.05 crore), marking a substantial leap over current figures.
Currently, the NITB spans an area of 36,000 square metres, while the redevelopment will add around 6,000 square metres, effectively increasing the airport’s operational footprint. The central government has sanctioned ₹25 crore to support this phase, with strict timelines imposed to ensure completion by the end of 2025, reflecting a commitment to timely infrastructure delivery. Airport authorities highlight that this integrated development strategy is essential to accommodate the surging passenger traffic and to meet the growing expectations of both domestic and international travellers. Enhanced passenger amenities, improved check-in processes, and streamlined boarding procedures form core elements of this modernisation drive, positioning Pune airport as a key regional aviation hub.
Complementing the terminal redevelopment, a crucial Obstacle Limitation Survey (OLS) has been completed for the proposed runway extension. This survey, a prerequisite for assessing the feasibility of extending the runway, ensures that the airport can accommodate larger aircraft and expand its international flight offerings. Early assessments from the OLS have been promising, indicating a viable path forward for the runway expansion. Discussions are underway with defence authorities to facilitate land acquisition necessary for the runway extension. Officials express optimism about securing the required land from the Air Force, a key stakeholder in this endeavour, with land acquisition anticipated to conclude within seven to eight months. The runway extension is expected to significantly enhance Pune airport’s operational capacity, enabling it to handle more wide-bodied aircraft and higher air traffic volumes.
The expansion aligns with broader goals of sustainable and eco-friendly urban infrastructure development. Airport planners are emphasising design features and construction methods that prioritise energy efficiency, waste reduction, and minimal environmental footprint. Integrating green building practices into the redevelopment plan supports Pune’s commitment to sustainable urban growth, helping the airport contribute to the city’s zero net carbon targets. Further, the project seeks to maintain gender-neutral and inclusive facilities, ensuring equitable access and comfort for all passengers. Modern amenities will incorporate accessible design principles to accommodate differently-abled travellers and promote an inclusive travel experience.
Industry experts note that Pune’s strategic location, coupled with its economic growth and rising tourism appeal, necessitates such capacity expansions. As passenger demand grows, upgrading infrastructure while embedding sustainability principles will be critical to ensuring long-term viability and resilience. The airport’s proactive approach to infrastructure development serves as a blueprint for similar tier-two city airports facing increasing pressure to expand while adhering to environmental and social governance standards. Timely completion of the redevelopment and runway extension projects will be pivotal in cementing Pune airport’s role as a gateway for Maharashtra and the wider western India region.
This expansion phase not only enhances operational efficiency but also promises to improve passenger experience through reduced congestion, faster processing times, and better connectivity. It reinforces the airport’s contribution to regional economic development, facilitating business travel, tourism, and cargo operations with greater capacity and reliability. While challenges such as land acquisition negotiations and construction timelines remain, officials’ confidence in smooth execution underscores the importance of collaborative governance and strategic planning in infrastructure projects of this scale.
Pune airport’s ongoing transformation reflects a broader urban narrative where infrastructural growth is balanced with sustainability and inclusivity imperatives, setting a positive precedent for aviation infrastructure development across India.
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