Pune Airport to Shift All Flight Operations to New Terminal from March 5

Pune, March 4: The Pune International Airport is set for a major transition as all flight operations will shift to the new integrated terminal building (NITB) from 2 AM on March 5, 2025. This move is expected to enhance passenger experience with upgraded infrastructure and modern amenities.

State-of-the-Art Facilities at the New Terminal

According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Pune, the NITB spans 52,000 square meters and features 10 aerobridges to streamline boarding and deboarding. The terminal is equipped with:

• 34 check-in counters and 25 self-check-in kiosks
• Five baggage carousels, including two dedicated to international arrivals
• Spacious lounges, diverse dining options, and retail outlets
• Energy-efficient technologies, earning a four-star GRIHA rating for green buildings

These enhancements will enable the airport to handle up to nine million passengers annually, aligning with global aviation standards.

Complete Shift from Old Terminal

Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke confirmed that all remaining flight operations—currently around 16 arrivals and 16 departures—will shift to the new terminal from March 5. He added, “Once the transition is complete, the process of demolishing and redeveloping the old terminal will begin.”

Dhoke highlighted that the NITB’s design incorporates elements of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, blending traditional art and architecture with modern infrastructure.

Minister Calls It a ‘Significant Leap’

Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol described the transition as a milestone in Pune’s aviation growth. “This modern facility is poised to provide passengers with a world-class travel experience, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth,” he said.

Baggage Delay Concerns

Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Pune Airport have expressed frustration over prolonged wait times for baggage collection. Reports indicate that in recent days, luggage retrieval has been taking 45–55 minutes after arrival.

A passenger, Gaikwad, who traveled from Jaipur to Pune, remarked, “My flight duration is just 55 minutes, but waiting for luggage takes the same amount of time. Is this the service we deserve? No trolleys, long wait times—Pune Airport arrivals are at their worst.”

Addressing these concerns, Dhoke assured that the airport is working on resolving the issue. “Due to the ongoing transition, there have been some delays in baggage handling. However, we are streamlining the process, and soon the wait time for luggage arrival will be reduced to 8–10 minutes,” he said.

Advisory for Passengers

Passengers flying from Pune Airport are advised to check airline notifications and arrive early to familiarise themselves with the new terminal for a smooth travel experience.