Pune Airport News: The Pune airport authorities have announced that the entire operations of the existing terminal building will be shifted to the new facility by early August. The old building is expected to be shut down for a year-long renovation project starting in mid-September.
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Times Of India report quoted, Santosh Dhoke, the Pune airport director as saying that from July 14 onwards, a total of 32 flight operations of Air India and Air India Express will begin operating from the new terminal in the initial phase of the shift. The inaugural journey will be an Air India flight (AI-858) to New Delhi.
Dhoke further stated, “By early next month, all other airlines are expected to move to the new terminal building, along with other departments and agencies.” The authorities are currently determining the timeline to close the old building for repairs and renovations, which is anticipated to take around one-and-a-half months.
A sum of Rs 25 crore has already been sanctioned for the renovation of the older airport building. The arrival area of this building will be converted into another departure area, which will feature 16 new check-in counters and additional infrastructure. The existing departure area is expected to be dismantled.
To facilitate the transition, two buses with a capacity of 30 passengers each have been arranged to transport travellers from the arrival area of the new terminal building to the multi-level car park of the AeroMall. Additionally, nine battery-operated carts have been provided. The barricading between the new and old buildings will be removed by July 14 and it is only a 400-metre walk from the arrival gates to the AeroMall.
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Dhoke acknowledged that passengers have long complained about the 200-metre walk from the arrival zone of the existing building to the cab pick-up point. However, he cautioned that cabs will not be allowed to pick up passengers inside the new terminal, as it would create crowding and chaos. Similar to the existing building, drops of cabs and autorickshaws will be permitted inside.
The new terminal building boasts several unique features, including a special play area for children and a remote security hold area for non-scheduled flight movements. Dhoke further stated, “Once the new building opens, all 10 aerobridges will become operational. The inline baggage screening system we have installed is very modern and can process 800-1,000 luggage pieces per hour, significantly reducing wait times. Additionally, the five new conveyor belts are much larger and tilted, making it easier for people to collect their bags.”
At present, the Pune airport experiences between 185 and 192 daily flight movements (departures and arrivals), with around 31,000 daily passenger movements.
