Despite West Asia conflict, airlines maintain domestic flight movement at Pune airport: Facility director

Pune: Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have curtailed domestic operations in the country because of the West Asia conflict, but not so in Pune where 208 of the available 235 slots are occupied, said airport director Santosh Dhoke on Sunday.He was speaking about the Yatri Suvidha Diwas to be held on Monday, showcasing the growth of the Pune airport since 2014. “The daily flight movements stand at an average of 208 out of the total 235 slots. Airlines have not curtailed domestic operations at the Pune facility and it will continue hopefully,” the director told TOI.Airlines like Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express have curtailed 250 domestic flights per day across airports from June to Aug in response to the hike in aviation fuel prices.

“The Pune airport has continued to see soaring domestic passenger traffic. It could be one reason why flight movement has remained steady till now ,” he added.Meanwhile, Dhoke said several events will be organised as part of the Yatri Suvidha Diwas. “Passenger traffic has increased from approximately 4.5 million in 2014 to over 11.3 million in 2026. Annual aircraft movements have grown from around 35,000 to nearly 69,000.

Several passenger-friendly facilities have been introduced to further enrich travel experience,” he said.There were some bird hits and unusual bird activity at the airside last year and it affected flights during the monsoon. Dhoke said preparations were fool proof this year. “The IAF controls the airside and has completed tasks like cutting tall grass, while installing bird cages and zone guns etc. We are in touch with the Pune Municipal Corporation for proper garbage management on the city side and ensuring that stray dogs stay away,” he said.The director said the 15-minute waiting cap in front of the arrival area for private vehicles will start soon and a fine of Rs500 for violations was on the cards. The runway recarpeting of the defence airport, being done on instructions of the ministry of defence, will not affect commercial flights, he said. “It will happen soon, but during the NOTAM period on weekdays and weekends. This way, commercial flights will not be affected.

We are working on the new departure area and it will open soon after security equipment comes and the BCAS approves it. Additionally, the two buildings will be properly integrated too,” Dhoke told TOI.