Pune: Runway Expansion at Pune Airport Gets Green Light from Defense Ministry

A step closer towards more international flights! The Ministry of Defense has approved the much-awaited OLS (Obstacle Limitation Surface) survey for the runway expansion at Pune International Airport.

This decision, spearheaded by Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, and MP from Pune, marks a significant milestone in enhancing the airport’s capacity to handle larger aircraft typically used for international travel.

In a meeting chaired by the Defense Secretary and attended by the Divisional Commissioner of Pune, it was decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would conduct the OLS survey. The approval came after Mohol’s persistent follow-up with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, which included a letter and a personal meeting. This survey is crucial for enabling the runway expansion, allowing large-sized aircraft to fly from Pune.

Currently, the runway at Pune Airport is owned by the Indian Air Force, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. India ranks as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally, and Pune Airport is the ninth busiest in the country based on passenger traffic, with over 80 lakh passengers last year.

Mohol emphasized the importance of this expansion for Pune’s growth, citing the lack of direct international connectivity to major destinations such as Europe, America, and Japan as a significant hindrance. He stated, “Large international airlines are restricted from flying here due to the small runway. Expanding the existing runway is essential to accommodate giant aircraft (code D/E type). With the Defense Ministry’s approval, this will soon become a reality, facilitating the takeoff and landing of larger aircraft from Pune.”

The runway expansion is set to enhance Pune’s international connectivity, contributing to the city’s economic and infrastructural development. The Ministry’s approval is a pivotal step towards making Pune a more prominent hub for international flights.