Pune: Six Shooters Miss Akasa Air Flight To Goa Competition Due To Security Check Delay
Pune: Six Shooters Miss Akasa Air Flight To Goa Competition Due To Security Check Delay
Pune, September 17, 2025: Six out of seven young shooters scheduled to compete in the Western Zone Junior (U-18) Shooting Championship in Goa missed their flight from Pune on Tuesday evening after confusion over the airline’s policies regarding weapons and ammunition.
The group was booked on Akasa Air flight QP-1143 to Goa, departing at 5:25 pm. Despite arriving at the airport by 2:30 pm, the athletes were unable to board because of inconsistent instructions from the ground staff about how their firearms and ammunition should be transported.
Only one shooter managed to get on the flight, but he too may be unable to participate as his shooting kit remained in Pune.
Parents accompanying the team said the competitors had all required documents and were even made to fill out multiple forms. “First, the staff said ammunition should be checked in separately, then later insisted it must be carried in the weapon case as hand baggage. Eventually, after more back-and-forth, they told us the counter was closed,” said Atul Kshirsagar, father of one of the participants, Rudra Kshirsagar.
According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, firearms and ammunition must be packed in registered check-in baggage, with verification by the airline’s station manager along with relevant IDs and competition invitations.
In a statement, Akasa Air said, “A team of professional rifle shooters scheduled on our Pune-Goa flight on September 16 could not board due to extended security procedures involving their specialised equipment. Our teams are assisting them and arranging alternative travel.”
Family members said the airline was trying to accommodate the shooters on another airline’s early morning flight on Wednesday, raising hopes they could still reach Goa in time for the championship.
