The much-anticipated new terminal building at Pune airport is slated for inauguration on March 10, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi officiating the event through a virtual ceremony. While this marks a significant milestone, flight operations from the new terminal are expected to commence four to five weeks later, as announced by airport officials.
The system testing of the state-of-the-art infrastructure is nearing completion, but additional test runs are deemed necessary before the actual flight operations can begin. Although PM Modi will formally open the building on Sunday, the full transition from the current terminal to the new one will take some time.
The shifting of all airport operations, including baggage scanning, customs, airline operations, various counters, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to the new building requires thorough testing and adjustments. This transition period is also essential for airlines to adapt to the new operational setup.
Despite the delay in the inauguration, the new terminal, constructed at a cost of Rs 475 crore, is poised to elevate Pune airport’s capacity significantly. Boasting an annual passenger capacity of 12 million and an hourly capacity of 1,400, the terminal features five baggage belts and five aerobridges.
To enhance the passenger experience, the airport plans to introduce two low-floor buses to facilitate the movement of travelers from the arrival area to the AeroMall, where the taxi pick-up zone is located.
While the controversy surrounding the delayed inauguration has drawn political attention, with opposition parties criticizing the state government, the focus is now on ensuring a seamless transition and optimal functionality of the new terminal.
Flight operations from the new building are expected to kick off in early to mid-April, offering passengers an enhanced travel experience with modern amenities and increased capacity.
