The renovation of Pune Airport's old terminal is now complete, boosting passenger handling capacity by 405 passengers per hour. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol inspected the state-of-the-art facilities ahead of the public opening.

  • Passenger handling capacity to increase by approximately 405 passengers per hour.
  • Expanded area of 4,075 sqm includes new check-in counters and security hold areas.
  • Integration of Digi Yatra and enhanced baby care facilities for passenger convenience.

In a significant move to alleviate congestion and enhance the traveler experience, the renovation of the old terminal building at Pune Airport has been successfully completed. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, recently inspected the upgraded check-in and security hold areas, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving urban infrastructure.

The project was initiated to tackle the mounting pressure on the airport during peak hours. While the physical construction and internal upgrades are finished, the facility is currently awaiting final clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Once the permit is granted, the expanded terminal will be opened to the general public.

Read Also:Mettur Dam Water Level Recorded at 73.89 Feet

Infrastructure Upgrades and Facilities

The renovated facility spans approximately 4,075 square meters, encompassing the check-in area, pre-embarkation security check (PESC), and the security hold area (SHA). To streamline the flow of passengers, 14 new check-in counters have been operationalized, and two additional boarding gates, 6A and 6B, have been established.

Beyond logistics, the airport has integrated commercial and welfare amenities. Dedicated spaces of 66.40 sqm for retail and 70.13 sqm for food and beverage outlets have been created. Furthermore, the airport has introduced parent-friendly facilities, including diaper-changing stations and a dedicated baby care room equipped with hot and cold water.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Pune's status as an IT and educational hub has led to a surge in air traffic that the previous infrastructure could no longer sustain. This renovation is a critical tactical move to prevent operational bottlenecks and maintain the city's competitiveness as a business destination.

The strategic expansion of existing terminal space is a necessary stop-gap measure to ensure that Pune's aviation growth does not stall while larger infrastructure projects are planned.

The project adhered to a strict regulatory timeline. The state Fire Department issued the NOC on May 9, followed by the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) exercise on July 22. Final safety inspections were rigorously conducted on July 30 and 31 to ensure global safety standards.

Did You Know?: Digi Yatra uses biometric facial recognition technology, allowing passengers to move from the entry gate to the boarding gate without showing physical boarding passes or IDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much will the passenger capacity increase?
The renovation will increase the passenger handling capacity by approximately 405 passengers per hour.

2. When will the renovated terminal be open to the public?
The facility is ready and awaiting final approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) before opening.