Why is The Operationalization of Pune Airport New Terminal Building Getting Delayed?

On March 10th, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Pune International Airport. The airport was inaugurated after crossing a slew of deadlines. Despite 42 days after the inauguration ceremony, the airport is not yet ready for operations.

In this article, let us have a look at what is taking too long to operationalize this new terminal building.

Pune Airport New Terminal Facing Delays

Earlier, the officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) promised that the new building would be operational by April 15. AAI is the operator of Pune Lohegaon Airport. A week has passed after the completion of this deadline and the terminal building is still facing operational delays.

 

The major reason behind the operational delay is the absence of approval from security agencies. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has made it clear that until the time, the inline baggage system does not create a security risk, the building will not be approved. This inline system scans the baggage electronically as it moves towards the aircraft using scanners and cameras. In case any issue is detected, it is stopped and authorities are alerted.

The inspection team from BCAS has already visited the airport three times, but the inline system fails to meet the expectations every time. The new building has two such inline baggage scanners. The current building has none.

Additional CISF Workforce Needed

Other than gaining the approval from Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), additional security staff is needed to be deployed at the new terminal building. A total of 231 more CISF personnel are required at the new building. For this, the airport authority has submitted all the necessary documents and expects an approval soon.

 

Many frequent flyers have been waiting for a long time to experience the new terminal building. An official told the Times of India that these approvals will require more time. The airport operator is in talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Civil Aviation Ministry (MoCA).

The new terminal building at Pune Airport has a total of five lounges. Three will cater to the domestic passengers, while two will serve the international passengers. In the current building, there is only one lounge, which is facing a space shortage.

 

On March 10, PM Modi inaugurated new terminal buildings at other airports as well. The new buildings at Kolhapur and Lucknow have already been operationalized. Both these buildings kickstarted operations on March 30, with Star Air and Akasa Air operating the maiden flights respectively. Now, the new Terminal 3 of Lucknow Airport is managing entire domestic operations. Even the new building at Gwalior Airport has been pressed into commercial operations.

When do you think will Pune Airport New Terminal Building start operations? Discuss in the comment section.

Thanking Note