New Rules at Pune Airport: Fine for Vehicles Lingering Beyond 15 Minutes
New Rules at Pune Airport: Fine for Vehicles Lingering Beyond 15 Minutes
Sakshi Pandhare
Pune, 16 June, 2026: In a bid to improve traffic movement outside the terminal, Pune Airport has proposed a 15-minute time limit for vehicles entering the arrivals area. Vehicles that remain beyond the prescribed duration could face penalties if the proposal receives approval from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said the move is aimed at addressing congestion caused by vehicles waiting for extended periods to pick up arriving passengers, particularly during peak hours.
“We have observed that many vehicles remain parked near the arrival gate for long durations, leading to traffic bottlenecks. To improve traffic flow and make better use of available space, we have proposed a 15-minute dwell-time limit in the arrival zone. Vehicles exceeding this limit may attract penalties. The proposal has been submitted to the AAI and is currently under consideration,” Dhoke said.
Airport officials believe the measure will help streamline vehicle movement and enhance passenger convenience by reducing crowding outside the terminal.
If approved, Pune Airport will join several other airports across the country that have implemented similar time-based restrictions in pickup areas to manage traffic more effectively.
The proposal has varied responses from frequent travellers.
However, some passengers expressed concerns about possible difficulties arising from flight delays and baggage collection times.
Frequent flyer Rahul Kumar said, “The goal of reducing traffic congestion at the airport is understandable. However, flight schedules are not always on time, and passengers may take longer than expected to collect their luggage and exit the terminal. Instead of imposing fines immediately, authorities should consider providing a grace period or creating a dedicated waiting area for drivers. This would help avoid unnecessary penalties while still managing traffic effectively.”
Dhoke also highlighted measures being taken to ensure flight safety during the monsoon season. He said bird-strike prevention remains a key focus and that several preventive measures have been implemented by the Indian Air Force, which oversees the airport’s operational areas.
“Regular grass-cutting, deployment of bird chasers, use of zone guns and other bird-control measures are being carried out continuously to minimise bird activity around the airfield and ensure safe aircraft operations,” he said.
Addressing concerns over stray dogs near airport premises, Dhoke said the issue had been resolved earlier this year with the support of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
“Corrective measures were undertaken during March and April after stray dog movement was noticed in certain areas. With PMC’s cooperation, the issue has been effectively addressed and remains under control,” he added.
