In a significant development for Pune Airport, the eagerly anticipated inauguration of its new terminal awaits approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is prepared to conduct thorough system tests over the next six weeks to ensure the seamless functioning of the new terminal before initiating its operations.
A senior official from Pune Airport shared insights, stating that the new terminal, designed to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, is a vital upgrade from the current terminal’s capacity of 7.1 million passengers. With the current terminal in need of renovation and lacking recent maintenance due to exceeding its capacity, the strategic move involves shifting operations to the new facility before commencing the refurbishment of the existing terminal.
While the completion deadline and inauguration have faced some delays, the AAI is focused on meticulous testing and obtaining approvals from national and international regulatory bodies. The stringent testing process involves round-the-clock operation checks to identify and address any potential issues.
The official highlighted the importance of system reliability, emphasizing that once the new terminal becomes operational, any disruptions or malfunctions should be avoided. Collaborating with equipment suppliers, including international contributors, will be an integral part of the testing phase to ensure a smooth transition.
As Pune Airport gears up for this crucial milestone, the imminent inauguration of the new terminal represents a significant leap toward enhancing passenger capacity, modernizing facilities, and improving overall travel experiences.
