Pune Airport’s New Terminal To Start With 32 Daily Flights, Offering Modern And Hassle-Free Experience
Good News for Punekars: Direct Flights to Bhopal, Indore from October 27
Pune Airport’s newly inaugurated terminal, unveiled on Sunday, promises to elevate passenger experience with its state-of-the-art features. Covering over 52,000 square meters, the terminal boasts a passenger handling capacity of 9 million annually, addressing the rising air traffic demand.
Pune Airport official shared with a News Agency, “Initially, the new terminal will facilitate 16 departure and 16 arrival flights for two airlines.” Currently, Air India and Air India Express are the first to operate from the new terminal.
The airport official highlighted the advanced In-Line Hold Baggage Handling System (ILHBS) installed at the terminal, streamlining the check-in process by eliminating the need for passengers to queue at X-ray machines for baggage scanning. This automated system ensures enhanced security and efficiency.
The new terminal, centrally air-conditioned, features five additional passenger boarding bridges, increasing the total to ten. This addition aims to provide passengers with a seamless transition from the terminal to the aircraft. With 34 check-in counters and 25 self-check-in kiosks, travelers can expect a quicker check-in process.
A multi-level car park adjacent to the terminal offers parking for 1,000 vehicles. The terminal is also an energy-efficient structure with a Four-Star GRIHA rating. It includes 915 square meters of space for food and beverage outlets and 1,206 square meters for retail stores, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Sustainability is a key focus of the terminal, featuring a double insulated roofing system, energy-saving canopies, LED lighting, and low heat gain double glazing units. It also incorporates rainwater harvesting with two RCC tanks each holding 532,000 liters, a solar power plant, water and sewage treatment facilities, and recycled water for landscaping.
Designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and a variety of aircraft, the terminal will boost air connectivity in Pune. This development is expected to stimulate tourism, business, education, and employment, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
The inauguration saw the presence of Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, officials from the Airports Authority of India, airline representatives, and state administration members. Air India Flight AI-858 (Pune–Delhi) and Air India Express Flight I5-320 (Pune–Bhubaneswar) were the first to depart from the new terminal.
Mohol personally handed out boarding passes at the new terminal. Other airlines operating at Pune Airport will transition to the new facility in phases.
