On Sunday, Pune Airport’s new terminal edifice officially commenced its operational journey, heralding a substantial augmentation in the airport’s capacity and service offerings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated this terminal four months prior, setting the stage for its operational debut with two airlines initiating their services from the new facility.
Previously, the existing terminal, encompassing a built-up area of 22,000 square meters, accommodated a passenger handling capacity of 7 million per annum.
Conversely, the newly constructed terminal, with an investment of Rs 475 crore, spans an extensive 52,000 square meters, boasting the capability to handle up to 9 million passengers annually. This expansion significantly amplifies the airport’s capacity to cater to the burgeoning demand.
#Pune Airport New Integrated Terminal update.
The much awaited new integrated terminal was finally opened for public yesterday!
Currently, Air India has started operations from the new terminal with other airlines expected to shift in the coming days.@mieknathshinde… pic.twitter.com/hqo5Uaf9za
— Infra News India (INI) (@TheINIofficial) July 15, 2024
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was present to witness the inaugural passenger boardings from the new terminal. On its maiden day, the terminal witnessed nine arrivals and nine departures.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke announced that starting Monday, the two airlines would operate approximately 16 arrivals and 16 departures daily from the new structure.
Mohol emphasized the substantial aviation infrastructure development in India over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has positioned India as the third-largest aviation sector globally, as reported by Free Press Journal.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to gradually transition all airline operations, totaling eight, to the new terminal in phases, with the process anticipated to culminate by the end of the first week of August.
The delay in operationalizing the new terminal was attributed to a deficit of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Despite the airport having a sanctioned strength of 724 CISF personnel, only about 453 were deployed until recently. The AAI had requested additional personnel to ensure seamless operations at both the new and existing terminals during the transition.
