Pune airport have raised significant concerns regarding the increasing trend of air travellers inadvertently capturing images of restricted airside areas, including sensitive Indian Air Force (IAF) installations at the Lohgaon airbase.
This heightened vigilance comes amidst amplified national security measures, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the critical need to safeguard vital defence infrastructure. The directive to curb unauthorised photography at this shared civil-military airport reflects a proactive stance towards national security and the responsible use of public spaces. Pune airport operates from the Lohgaon airbase, sharing its operational space with the IAF’s Lohgaon station, which inherently designates it as a high-security zone. Santosh Dhoke, the Airport Director, confirmed that surveillance and deterrence measures have been significantly stepped up across all relevant agencies, with particular emphasis on the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This intensified vigilance aims to monitor and actively prevent any activities that could compromise the integrity of the airbase’s security protocols. The presence of military assets necessitates a stricter approach to visual documentation compared to purely civilian airports.
“We have received explicit directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) unequivocally prohibiting photography at defence-operated airfields like Pune,” Dhoke stated on Friday. He further elaborated that airlines are consistently making in-flight and pre-boarding announcements to ensure that all passengers are fully aware of and comprehend the critical importance of adhering to this rule. Despite these repeated warnings and clear instructions, authorities acknowledge that many passengers continue to disregard these directives, often capturing images of hangars and runways from aircraft windows or even from within the terminal building. An Indian Air Force official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, underscored the gravity of the situation: “Photography of restricted areas is a clear violation of airbase security protocols. Passengers are reminded multiple times, both verbally and through prominent signs, but compliance remains inconsistent.” This highlights a persistent challenge in balancing passenger convenience with imperative security requirements. Consequently, airport staff, including ground personnel of private airlines, have also been tasked with the crucial responsibility of reminding passengers about the strict no-photo policy, particularly when flights are stationed on the tarmac, a time when visual access to sensitive areas is often at its highest.
In a related and equally significant development, the DGCA issued a specific instruction on Thursday to all airlines operating at defence-run airports, including Pune. This directive mandates that window shades must remain closed during both takeoff and landing phases of flight. This measure is a direct, added precaution specifically designed to prevent any unauthorised visual documentation of sensitive infrastructure during the most vulnerable periods of aircraft movement. This blanket instruction reflects a recognition that passive measures, such as keeping shades down, can serve as an effective deterrent against inadvertent or intentional photography. The collective efforts by airport authorities, the IAF, CISF, and airlines underscore a robust, multi-layered approach to enhancing security at a critical dual-use facility. The ongoing vigilance is not merely about preventing photography but about mitigating potential security risks in a highly sensitive operational environment. The collaboration between civil aviation and defence entities at Pune Airport sets a precedent for integrated security management at shared airbases across India, ensuring that national security imperatives are met without compromising the essential flow of civil aviation.
This evolving security landscape underscores the need for continuous adaptation and strict adherence to protocols for the collective safety and security of all.
Also Read: Kolkata Airport Targets Zero Bird Strikes Air Safety.
