Pune airport runway extension approved, paves way for larger aircraft and more international flights

Good News for Pune: The OLS survey for Pune airport runway extension has brought good results as the authorities have approved the extension of runway at Pune airport to facilitate the flight operations of wide bodied aircraft. It may be noted that these wide bodied aircraft require longer runways for taking off and landings. This will open up Pune airport to more international flights, thus connecting the city to more destianations around the world.

This was discussed at a high-level technical meeting chaired by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Tuesday in Delhi. Positive results have emerged from the Obstacle Limitation Survey done by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), making space for the extension of the runway and launching international flight operations from Pune.

The discussions covered the various issues that were essential to the runway extension, mainly with regard to land acquisition from the state government and transferring the land from the Ministry of Defence. The agenda included discussions on the development of apron area, increase in runway length, and raising a new terminal building. All this for ‘Code E’ aircraft, more generally flown for international flights, according to Minister Mohol, is a big step forward.

Currently, it is 2,535 meters long and proposals entail its extension by about 800 meters which would increase the runway length to about 10,940 feet, in case of which big aircraft can land here. With this expansion, this airport will gain direct connectivity to Europe and also the United States. The estimated cost for this project will be Rs.160 crore, land acquisition mainly covered.

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Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar, long a votary of the extension of Pune’s runway, welcomed the positive outcome of the OLS. He pointed out that limitation of existing runways has prevented operation of wide-body aircraft in Pune and led to Pune’s incomplete international connectivity for over a decade. “The challenge here is to do the up gradation without disturbing the ongoing flights as the commercial sector of the city is gaining day by day,” stated Vandekar.

The OLS, completed in July, studied the obstructions around the airport- like buildings with heights exceeding that of the aircraft and trees. Such studies are important to avoid any accidents while the aircraft is operated and to ensure compliance with the regulations. Moreover, the AAI is consulting with the Ministry of Defence and the state government to undertake any additional surveys required for the project.

Minister Mohol announced international services for Pune, starting with IndiGo from October 28 to Dubai and Bangkok. The upgrading of airport facilities along with the runway will place the city on the world aviation map and significantly build connectivity and propel economic growth.