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Pune Airport

(Redirected from Lohegaon Airport)
For other uses, see Pune Airport (disambiguation).

Pune Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO) is an international airport and an Indian Air Force base serving the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is located at Lohegaon, approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) northeast of the historic centre of Pune. The airport is a civil enclave operated by the Airports Authority of India at the western side of Lohegaon Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force. A name change has been proposed for the airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport, which has been approved by the State Government.[4] The airport is the ninth-busiest airport by passenger traffic in India. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. In financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 9.5 million passengers.[5][1]

Pune Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic/military
OwnerIndian Air Force
OperatorAirports Authority of India
ServesPune
LocationLohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Opened1939; 85 years ago (1939)
Hub forIndiGo
Elevation AMSL592 m / 1,942 ft
Coordinates18°34′56″N 073°55′11″E / 18.58222°N 73.91972°E / 18.58222; 73.91972
Map
PNQ is located in Maharashtra
PNQ
PNQ
PNQ is located in India
PNQ
PNQ
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
10/28 2,539 8,329 Asphalt
Statistics (April 2023 - March 2024)
Passengers9,525,484 (Increase 19%)
Aircraft movements64,039 (Increase 7.7%)
Cargo tonnage37,841 (Decrease 3.9%)
Source: AAI[1][2][3]

Overview

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Pune Airport has a 2,540 m long runway oriented 10/28. A former secondary runway is now used as a taxiway by the IAF. A 2200m x 23m parallel taxiway was constructed by AAI to facilitate civil operation on the southern side of runway 10/28. The airfield is equipped with night landing facilities as well as navigational facilities like DVOR/DME and an NDB.[6] As Pune's air traffic control is operated by the IAF,[6] there is often friction between the AAI and the IAF over flight schedules and night landings. There is currently a basic working relationship between the two parties; they have agreed to allow night landings of civilian flights for the time being, though this is not a long-term solution.[citation needed]

History

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The airfield was established in 1939 as RAF Pune to provide air security to the city of Mumbai. The base was home to World War II squadrons of de Havilland Mosquito and Vickers Wellington bombers and Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft.[7] In May 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force took charge of the airfield.[8]

Air India commenced a route to Dubai, the airport's first international flight, in December 2005. Indian Airlines began service to Singapore the following day.[9] In 2004–05, the airport handled about 165 passengers a day or around 60,000 passengers. It increased to 250 passengers a day in 2005–06. There was a sharp rise in 2006–07 when the number reached 4,309 passengers a day (1,500,000 a year) and more than 2.8 million passengers a year in 2010–2011 (about 8,000 passengers a day).[10]

In July 2008, Lufthansa's inaugural flight from Frankfurt arrived in Pune, linking the airport with Europe for the first time. The direct service was operated by PrivatAir and catered to the many automotive, biotechnology and other companies that had operations in the city.[11][12] PrivatAir flew the route with a long-range version of an Airbus A319 that only had business-class seats; the Pune airport's short runway meant that Lufthansa could not use a larger jet with an economy-class cabin.[13][14] PrivatAir also had to reduce the seating capacity so that the aircraft could carry enough fuel for the long-haul flight.[14]

A ₹ 100 crore airport modernisation plan was launched in preparation for the Commonwealth Youth Games hosted by Pune. In August 2008, AAI completed the construction of two new terminal extensions for international passenger departures and arrivals, measuring nearly 12,000 m2 (130,000 sq ft) on either side of the 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft) old main terminal building, which was inadequate for the increase in passengers and flight operations. The terminal extensions have helped ease the peak-time pressure of air passengers. Facilities developed on the air side include a new parallel taxi track and an apron expanded to accommodate eight Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.[15] In 2010, Lufthansa introduced economy class on the Frankfurt route; due to the recession, companies preferred to book economy-class tickets for their employees.[16]

Two aerobridges were commissioned in 2011. New conveyor belts and passenger facilities including a modern spa were also commissioned.[15] An instrument landing system (ILS) has been proposed to ensure smooth takeoffs and landings even in deteriorated weather conditions.[17] All the offices of the AAI and the Central Industrial Security Force will move to the new administrative block, creating more space in the terminal building. The building will also house a VIP lounge with independent access to the airport terminal building. The airport power sub-station near the entrance gate will also be shifted to the new building freeing up more space for developing passenger amenities.[18]

Lufthansa stopped flying to Frankfurt in June 2018, as it had suspended its wet-lease arrangement with PrivatAir.[19] Five months later, Lufthansa resumed the link using its own plane. The flights made a technical stop in Baku.[20][21] Afterward, the carrier reached a new agreement with PrivatAir whereby the latter would take over the route in February 2019. PrivatAir went bankrupt in December 2018, however. As a result, the last Lufthansa flight departed Pune in January 2019.[22][23]

The Airports Authority of India has invested ₹ 40 crore in 2018 for a brand new second terminal, which will be integrated into the existing one in order to ease air traffic. Construction began in late 2018 and was completed in March 2024.[24] It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 March 2024, and was opened on 14 July 2024.[25]

Airlines and destinations

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AirlinesDestinationsRefs.
Air India Bangalore,[26] Delhi, Singapore (begins 12 November 2024) [27]
Air India Express Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow[28][29]
Akasa Air Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Goa–Mopa, Kolkata[30]
Alliance Air Hyderabad
Fly91 Goa–Mopa, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg[31][32]
IndiGoAhmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi (begins 22 November 2024),[33] Bhopal,[34] Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Dubai–International (begins 22 November 2024),[35] Goa–Dabolim, Goa–Mopa,[36] Guwahati, Hubli,[37] Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur,[38] Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Rajkot,[39] Ranchi, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram,[40] Vadodara,[41] Varanasi[42][43]
SpiceJet Bhavnagar, Chennai (resumes 8 November 2024), Delhi, Dubai–International, Goa–Mopa, Jaipur
Star Air Hyderabad, Kishangarh,[44] Nagpur, Nanded
Vistara[45]Delhi, Singapore (both end 11 November 2024) [46][47][27]

Statistics

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Annual passengers
Year Passengers
2015-16
5,417,167
2016-17
6,787,391
2017-18
8,164,840
2018-19
9,070,917
2019-20
8,085,607
2020-21
2,137,859
2021-22
3,713,491
2022-23
8,007,160
2023-24
9,525,484
Traffic by financial year
Financial year Passengers Change from previous year Aircraft operations Cargo tonnage[48]
2023-24 9,525,484  019.0% 64,039 37,841
2022-23 8,007,160  0115.6% 59,451 39,369
2021-22 3,713,491  073.7% N/A N/A
2020-21 2,137,859  073.6% 19,831 N/A
2019-20 8,085,607  010.9% 54,261 N/A
2018-19 9,070,917  011.1% 59,888 N/A
2017-18 8,164,840  020.6% 56,021 41,566
2016-17 6,787,391  025.3% 46,932 35,312
2015-16 5,417,167  029.3% 40,726 31,766
Busiest domestic routes from PNQ (2022–23) [49]
Rank Airport Carriers Departing passengers
1 Delhi Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara 1,256,205
2 Bengaluru, Karnataka Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo 769,404
3 Chennai, Tamil Nadu IndiGo 265,680
4 Ahmedabad, Gujarat Akasa Air, IndiGo 214,984
5 Hyderabad, Telangana IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air,Akasa Air 209,325
6 Kolkata, West Bengal Akasa Air, IndiGo, SpiceJet 205,251
7 Nagpur, Maharashtra IndiGo, Star Air 200,121
8 Jaipur, Rajasthan Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet 113,116
9 Goa–Dabolim, Goa IndiGo 94,587
10 Patna, Bihar IndiGo 76,790
Busiest international routes from PNQ (2022–23) [50]
Rank Airport Carriers Departing passengers
1   Dubai, United Arab Emirates SpiceJet 60,141
2   Singapore Vistara 9,881

Future

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Aircraft at Pune Airport

Cargo terminal

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There is a proposal to create an international cargo facility from this airport. This project will enable foreign cargo operators to operate in the airport. The airport was declared as customs airport on 17 January 1997, primarily for exporting perishable agricultural products. This project will also help to attract foreign airlines to operate at the airport. The 600 sq.m. terminal will be located adjacent to the new second terminal.[51]

Airport expansion

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A second terminal has been built on the eastern side of the current airport terminal. It covers an area of about 52,000 m2 (560,000 sq ft), which is twice the size of the current terminal and has a capacity of serving over 9 million passengers annually. It has five aerobridges and several advanced technologies, facilities and amenities, five baggage carousels, 34 counters, 25 self-check-in counters, duty-free shops, retail stores, food courts, waiting areas, lounges, restrooms, and many others. The terminal has a unique design showcasing the culture and heritage of Maharashtra, such as the depictions of traditional folklore, art like Warli and a bronze statue of Shivaji in front of the terminal.[52][53] It was estimated to be completed by the end of 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused lockdowns and curfews, lack of labour caused several delays in work.[54] In September 2021, construction work resumed.[55] In November 2022, it was 75% completed, and was expected to be completed by May 2023.[56] It was finished and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 March 2024 via video conferencing.[25] However, the opening of the terminal got delayed due to longstanding processes of receiving permission to operationalise and shortage of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the airport for security.[57] These issues were solved and the terminal was opened for regular operations on 14 July 2024, with the first flights operated by Air India and Air India Express to Delhi and Bhubaneswar.[58]

Proposal for a new international airport

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Main article: New Pune Airport

Due to the limited expansion options available, the airport will not be able to cope with the growing demand for air traffic into Pune. Hence, a greenfield airport for the Pune metropolitan region has been proposed. The Government of Maharashtra has entrusted the responsibility to Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for executing the Pune International Airport project.[59] Probable sites for this project had earlier included areas around Talegaon Dabhade and Saswad near Pune. An area between Chakan and Rajgurunagar, around the villages of Chandus and Shiroli was under consideration.

However, due to land acquisition issues, a new site has been proposed. This site is not very distant from the city but is near to the city limits. The greenfield airport will be located near the villages of Ambodi, Sonori, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur-Munjawadi, Khanwadi, Pargaon Memane, Rajewadi, Aamble, Tekwadi, Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, and Singapur near Saswad and Jejuri in Purandar taluka of Pune District in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[60] The proposed airport in Purandar will be spread over 2,832 hectares. This airport will also boost trade from Pune and neighbouring districts as it will have its own dedicated cargo terminal. MADC requested proposals from consultants to conduct techno-economic feasibility studies, assist in obtaining the required statutory approvals and provide project management services.

In August 2020, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar told the Pune district administration to check the feasibility of developing the new Pune International Airport at an alternative site proposed by Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap. The MLA had proposed land acquisition at Pandeshwar, Rise, and Pise villages, instead of the seven villages in Purandar taluka which have opposed land acquisition since the project was announced in October 2016. Total land acquisition cost is expected to be ₹ 4000 crore for the existing site. If the new site gets approved, land acquisition costs are likely to be reduced.

Senior officials of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) have said that shifting the site of the Purandar Airport will lead to a delay of more than two years in getting fresh approvals and carrying out surveys of the new site.

Access

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Pre-paid taxicab and auto rickshaw services to and from the airport are available. Coach services to various key locations in Pune and private car rental services are also available. PMPML also operates an airport shuttle to and from the city.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Annexure III – Passenger Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Maharashtra govt approves renaming of Pune airport to 'Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj' airport". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Leading airports across India in financial year 2020, by number of passengers handled(in millions)". statista. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  6. ^ a b AAI website, 1 November 2011, archived from the original on 8 February 2012, retrieved 1 February 2012
  7. ^ "Lohegaon airbase celebrates Indian Air Force's 80th anniversary". The Times of India. 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  8. ^ "Back To India". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
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  11. ^ "Lufthansa commences Pune-Frankfurt direct service". United News of India. 2 July 2008.
  12. ^ "2 Casualties Don't Deter All-Business-Class Rivalry". The New York Times. 29 April 2008. ProQuest 2222262186.
  13. ^ "Lufthansa introduces non-stop service between Pune-Frankfurt" (Press release). Lufthansa. 21 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 May 2008. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  14. ^ a b Kelkar, Siddharth (2 July 2008). "Lufthansa's first 'all business' flight". The Indian Express. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  15. ^ a b "Pune airport braces for swanky look AAI to spend Rs 20 cr". The Times of India. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  16. ^ "Lufthansa to offer economy class on Pune-Frankfurt flight". The Hindu BusinessLine. 7 January 2010.
  17. ^ "Indian Air Force projects MAFI, GAGAN to benefit Pune airport". Indian Express. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  18. ^ TOI, 23 March 2015, archived from the original on 2 April 2015, retrieved 23 March 2015
  19. ^ Sengupta, Joy (22 July 2018). "Lufthansa grounds flight to Frankfurt till October". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  20. ^ Liu, Jim (26 September 2018). "Lufthansa adjusts Pune service in W18". Routesonline. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  21. ^ Sengupta, Joy (25 July 2019). "German firms & businessmen rue Lufthansa flight suspension". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  22. ^ Sengupta, Joy (19 December 2018). "Lufthansa to suspend flight to Frankfurt from Feb 1". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
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  24. ^ Jigar Hindocha (27 February 2023). "Maharashtra: 75% work of new terminal building of Pune airport completed | Pune News - Hindustan Times". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  25. ^ a b "PM Modi inaugurates Pune airport's new terminal built at Rs 423 crore". The Indian Express. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  26. ^ Bangalore SkyUpdates [@AeroUpdatesBLR] (14 June 2024). "Air India to start daily flights from Bengaluru to Pune starting 1st July 2024" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 June 2024 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ a b "Vistara Air India Merger".
  28. ^ "AirAsia India to commence Lucknow-Pune service in May-2023". CAPA. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  29. ^ "Direct flights from Pune - AirAsia India". www.flightsfrom.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  30. ^ "Akasa Air Flight Network". Akasa Air. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Regional airline FLY91 adds Pune as its seventh destination". The Hindu. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  32. ^ "Flight Schedule" (PDF). Fly91. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  33. ^ "Pune-Thailand flights".
  34. ^ "Pune-Bhopal flights".
  35. ^ "Pune-Dubai flights".
  36. ^ "IndiGo's largest ever new station launch at New Goa International Airport". IndiGo. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  37. ^ "IndiGo to start Hubballi Pune direct flight from February 5". Hubballi Infra. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  38. ^ Pall, Samreen (13 June 2023). "Pune Airport: Indigo Starts Six New Flights; Check Routes, Fare and More". News18. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
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  48. ^ Total cargo (Freight, Express, & Mail).
  49. ^ "Home | Directorate General of Civil Aviation | Government of India". www.dgca.gov.in. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  50. ^ "Home | Directorate General of Civil Aviation | Government of India". Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  51. ^ Lohegaon airport to have int’l cargo centre[usurped]
  52. ^ Naaz, Fareha (14 July 2024). "Pune airport's new terminal to be functional from today: All you need to know". Mint. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  53. ^ Sengupta, Joy (15 July 2024). "Pune airport's new terminal opens amid excitement & apprehension". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  54. ^ Sengupta, Joy (26 July 2020). "Pune airport's new terminal work delayed". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
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  56. ^ "Pune airport to get new terminal building by May: Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia". Times Now. 26 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  57. ^ Raj, Neha (13 April 2024). "Delayed Departure: Pune Airport's New Terminal Faces Operational Setback". Pune News. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  58. ^ "New terminal building of Pune Airport becomes operational 4 months after inauguration". The Indian Express. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  59. ^ Our Corporate Bureau (10 August 2004). "New airport for Pune". Business Standard India. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  60. ^ "State wants more land for project". Sakaal Times. 24 December 2011. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
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