Pune Airport’s New Terminal Sparks Excitement, but Concerns Emerge Over Taxi Pickup Denial

Viman Nagar, 15th January 2024: The imminent opening of Pune Airport’s latest terminal, set to occur in the next two to three weeks, is generating a mix of excitement and apprehension among passengers. While the new facility promises to meet international standards and ease crowd congestion, the decision by airport authorities to withhold ‘pickup’ permissions for taxis is causing inconvenience for travelers.

Designed with three gates for both arrivals and departures, the new terminal aims to alleviate the crowding issues experienced at the older facility. However, the restriction on taxi ‘pickup’ presents a challenge for passengers looking for convenient transportation from the Aeromall to their final destinations.

While private vehicles are allowed for both ‘drop and pickup,’ ensuring convenience for those opting for personal transportation, the denial of ‘pickup’ permissions for taxis marks a significant departure from the existing system.

In the current terminal, a pedestrian bridge connects it to the Aeromall, equipped with escalators and elevators for passenger convenience. However, logistical challenges in constructing a similar pedestrian bridge between the new terminal and Aeromall have led to this inconvenience.

Passengers arriving at the new terminal will now need to transport their luggage to the mall, introducing an element of inconvenience for those expecting seamless transportation options at the airport. Director Santosh Dhoke clarified that allowing taxi ‘pickup’ would risk overcrowding in the terminal premises, justifying the decision to deny permission. Private vehicles, however, remain unaffected by these restrictions.

Critics argue that these limitations should have been anticipated during the planning phase of the new terminal. Civil aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar expressed concern over the inconvenience posed to travelers and speculated that future developments, such as the arrival of the metro, might exacerbate challenges in the airport area.