Pune: New Airport Terminal Receives Security Clearance, Likely to Start Operations by Early May
Pune, April 30, 2024: In a big relief for the residents of Pune, the Airports Authority of India has indicated that the new terminal at Pune airport may start functioning from the first week of May.
Initially the flights of Air India and Air India Express will start operating from the new terminal in the first phase of opening of the new airport terminal at Pune airport.
According to AAI, other airlines will continue to operate from the old terminal for the time being till any teething issues are sorted out at the new terminal after testing with Air India and Air India Express.
Recently the new terminal was approved by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BICAS). Testing of aircraft type was started on the new terminal following this approval. Air India and Air India Express operate 16 flights from Pune everyday, so the new terminal will be handling a total of 32 flights daily initially.
Though BICAS has granted the approval, the letter confirming the same is awaited by Pune airport authorities. As soon as the approval letter is received, the authorities will commence the process of opening the terminal to passengers. Any specific date, however could not be provided by the airport authorities.
The new terminal at Pune airport spans across 52 square meters having an annual passenger handling capacity of 9 million. The terminal can process 3000 passengers per hour. The new terminal has 15 escalators, 8 lifts, 34 check-in counters and the space to park 1000 cars. This terminal has been built at a cost of Rs. 475 crore.
