Construction of Pune Airport’s new terminal underway; Check features elevating passengers experience

By: Pune Pulse

November 3, 2023

Pune: The construction of a new terminal building at Pune Airport by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is underway, with a budget of Rs 475 crore. This development aims to cater to an extra 4.7 million passengers on an annual basis. 

Currently, the existing terminal can accommodate 7 million travelers per year. Despite facing delays, the new terminal is anticipated to be operational by the end of the year.

The expansion project, undertaken by the state government and AAI, involves the acquisition of additional land from the Indian Air Force and private landowners to meet the growing demands of Pune’s airport. Currently, the airport serves approximately 30,000 passengers per day, including 540 foreigners.

To enhance the passenger experience, the new terminal will be equipped with a Passenger Flow Management System (PFMS). This system, implemented at key areas such as check-in counters, security checks, boarding gates, waiting areas, and food stalls, will optimize passenger flow and minimize waiting times in queues. By tracking passenger movements, the PFMS will provide valuable insights to ensure smoother transitions for passengers.

The new terminal will enhance the efficiency of baggage handling and screening through the implementation of the “in-line baggage system”. This system will enable passengers to proceed directly to the check-in counters with their luggage, thereby reducing congestion within the terminal. Furthermore, the interior of the new terminal building will serve as a showcase for Maharashtra’s culture, with a particular emphasis on Pune’s unique characteristics. Artwork within the terminal will depict cultural elements such as the Ganesh festival, hilly forts, the Ashadhi Yatra, and the caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

Additionally, skylights and a 12-metre canopy will be incorporated into the arrival and departure zones. Despite the recent addition of freight infrastructure, the cargo handling capacity remains unchanged. The existing freight complex was relocated to accommodate the new terminal building, providing improved facilities for cargo handling in the interim.

However, plans for a new cargo terminal are in place for the future. Currently, the complex can handle 37,000 MT of local cargo and 000 MT of foreign cargo on its 1.76-acre premises. This includes a variety of items such as car parts, medications, and perishables. The new terminal is expected to cater to the needs of Pune city for several years until the demand exceeds its annual capacity of approximately 12 million passengers.