New terminal building of Pune Airport faces further delay

By: Pune Pulse

October 27, 2023

Pune: Pune Airport’s new terminal building has been delayed for an additional period, with the completion and commissioning expected to take place by the end of December or early January of the following year.

Earlier in September 2023, the power supply to the newly constructed terminal building at Pune airport was commenced and the testing of the facilities was successful. Hence, the new terminal building was expected to be completed by October 2023.

As per further information, given the congestion at most of the country’s main airports, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed certain additional solutions in the building. More room in the new terminal building will be required to accommodate the adjustments. Work towards this has begun.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dhairyashil Vandekar, a Civil Aviation Expert, Pune said, “The airport officials haven’t given any kind of fixed date for the new terminal completion. We have been demanding that the airport authorities, even though they take some extra time, should give a definite date of completion & commencement of the new terminal. Our demand to the airport authorities was to begin operations of the new terminal before the festival season starts. It hasn’t happened. Passengers have to face congestion due to this. Work is in the airport authorities’ hands. Take additional time for starting the new terminal for public use & convey a fixed time rather than simply giving deadlines. It is a poor reflection of the work.”

Vandekar further added, “The airport authorities give excuses about Corona being a delaying factor for the new terminal. The intensity of the COVID-19 virus has reduced a lot in 2 years now after which a lot of civil projects have been done everywhere. It is very unfortunate that, as far as the Lohegaon airport & the facilities are concerned, the passengers have always been on the receiving end.”

Shreyas Vange