Pune: IAF To Handover 13 Acres To Pune Airport By September; Expansion To Ease Flight Congestion
Pune: IAF To Handover 13 Acres To Pune Airport By September; Expansion To Ease Flight Congestion
Pune: In a major boost to Pune Airport’s expansion plans, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to transfer 13 acres of land to the airport authorities by late August or September this year. The move is expected to ease growing air traffic congestion and pave the way for crucial infrastructure upgrades.
The airport authorities confirmed the timeline and stated that the additional land will be used primarily to develop new aircraft parking bays, which are essential to manage the increasing number of flights. In a reciprocal arrangement, the airport authorities are constructing office facilities for the IAF on another plot, with nearly 95% of the construction already completed.
Once the handover is complete, a comprehensive master plan will be prepared for the optimal use of the newly acquired space. Officials have already outlined plans to build five additional aircraft parking bays and three remote bays, aimed at resolving frequent parking-related delays. These new bays are expected to become operational by the end of 2025 or early 2026, depending on construction progress.
Pune Airport has witnessed record-breaking flight activity recently, including a high of 212 flight movements in a single day. The IAF has increased commercial flight slots to 235, of which 207 are currently active, reflecting the growing demand for air travel in and out of the city.
In addition to the runway-side expansion, the old terminal building is undergoing renovation. The arrival area is being transformed into a modern departure zone with 14 new check-in counters, expected to be ready by December. The upgrade aims to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion in the main terminal.
A newly opened airside food court has also enhanced pre-boarding amenities for travelers, contributing to an improved passenger experience.
Aviation experts have welcomed the expansion, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure development to match rising flight volumes. Timely completion of these projects, they say, is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and enhancing passenger convenience.
