Photography By Passengers At Pune Airport Sparks Security Alarm Amid Increased Alert
15 New Flight Slots Added At Pune Airport Amid Soaring Passenger Demand
The increasing trend of air passengers taking selfies and photos at Pune Airport, particularly capturing the airside area that houses key Indian Air Force (IAF) infrastructure, has raised serious security concerns in the wake of heightened alert following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Located within the 3,500-acre Lohegaon IAF station, Pune Airport is a high-security zone managed in part by the IAF, which operates squadrons of Sukhoi MK-I fighter jets and controls the runway and air traffic operations.
Airport director Santosh Dhoke confirmed to TOI on Friday that all stakeholders, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), have been instructed to stay vigilant. “DGCA and BCAS have issued clear directives prohibiting photography at defence airports. Announcements are already being made by airlines, and we plan to increase their frequency,” he said.
Photography of hangars and the airside is strictly prohibited, but many flyers ignore this. Stronger deterrents such as ticket cancellation are needed, though airlines are often reluctant to take such steps.
Airport officials emphasized that the issue is being treated with seriousness. “Notices against photography are displayed across the terminal, and cabin crew make announcements during every flight. Yet, passengers continue to post such images on social media. The CISF has been directed to intervene, warn violators, and request deletion of such images.
To further tighten control, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday mandated that window shades on aircraft be kept closed during takeoffs and landings at defence airports, particularly those along India’s western border. The rule applies until the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet altitude or descends below it on arrival, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.
A frequent flyer in Pune acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Despite regular announcements, many selfie-obsessed passengers ignore the rules. Now tighter surveillance during boarding and landing, especially for those seated at windows must be opted by authorities. ”
