Pune Airport Runway Shut For 11 Hours After IAF’s Hard Landing; 80 Flights Cancelled, Operations Gradually Resume
Pune Airport Runway Shut For 11 Hours After IAF's Hard Landing; 80 Flights Cancelled, Operations Gradually Resume
Pune , April 18, 2026: Flight operations at Pune Airport were suspended for nearly 11 hours after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft made a hard landing late Friday night due to a landing gear failure, blocking the runway. Services resumed in phases on Saturday morning after comprehensive safety inspections.
The incident occurred around 10:25 pm when the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction during landing, leaving it stranded on the runway. The obstruction forced authorities to halt all arrivals and departures overnight, significantly disrupting flight schedules.
Officials reported that a minor fire broke out following the landing but was quickly brought under control. Both pilots were safe, and no damage was reported to civilian airport infrastructure.
The IAF stated that the runway was temporarily closed and restoration efforts were immediately initiated. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was first issued until 5:30 am and later extended to 9:00 am as teams worked to remove the aircraft and conduct necessary inspections and repairs.
After nearly 11 hours, the runway was declared operational, and flight services resumed in a phased manner. The IAF confirmed that all required safety checks had been completed before reopening.
The prolonged closure caused significant inconvenience to passengers. At least eight incoming flights to Pune were diverted to cities including Surat, Goa, Navi Mumbai, Chennai, and Coimbatore, while several others were cancelled.
Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express reported multiple delays and cancellations. Airport authorities deployed additional staff to assist passengers, providing refreshments, water, and real-time updates.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the temporary suspension and stated that safety remained the top priority. He added that operations resumed only after thorough checks and coordination with airport and Air Force officials.
With the runway now cleared, flight operations in Pune are expected to gradually return to normal throughout the day.
