Fast-Track Immigration Likely At Pune Airport, Promises Shorter Queues For International Flyers
Fast-Track Immigration Likely At Pune Airport, Promises Shorter Queues For International Flyers
Pune | February 10, 2026: International passengers departing from Pune airport may soon get relief from long immigration queues, as efforts are underway to introduce the government’s Fast Track Immigration (FTI) system at the facility.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has said he will pursue the implementation of the automated immigration clearance system in Pune. Since immigration services fall under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, discussions are expected to be held with the ministry to extend the facility to the city’s airport.
The Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) enables pre-verified passengers to clear immigration through automated e-gates, significantly reducing waiting time. The system, launched by the government last year, has already been implemented at 13 airports across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi and Ahmedabad. In September 2025, it was further expanded to airports such as Lucknow, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirapalli and Kozhikode.
Pune airport currently operates direct international flights to Dubai and Bangkok, with nearly 30,000 passengers travelling monthly. Official data shows that international passenger traffic rose sharply from 2.05 lakh in 2024 to 3.38 lakh in 2025, reflecting a growth of nearly 65 per cent.
Frequent flyers have welcomed the proposal, citing repeated delays at immigration counters. Many passengers have reported situations where only a few counters were operational, leading to congestion and long waiting periods. Travellers believe that an automated system would improve efficiency and enhance the overall travel experience at the rapidly expanding airport.
Airport officials have also pointed out that immigration delays impact flight operations. Aircraft cannot vacate parking bays until all passengers complete immigration and customs clearance, which can disrupt parking availability and air traffic movement, especially during peak hours.
Under the FTI system, passengers can register online through the official portal by submitting documents and biometric details. Once enrolled, travellers can scan their boarding pass and passport at e-gates, where biometric verification allows quick, automated clearance at both arrival and departure points.
If approved, the introduction of Fast Track Immigration at Pune airport is expected to significantly improve passenger flow, reduce congestion, and strengthen the city’s growing international aviation infrastructure.
