As the Lok Sabha elections loom over Baramati and Pune constituencies, Pune airport is gearing up for a notable uptick in non-scheduled flight movements, poised to escalate by 20%.
Key Points:
- The surge in non-scheduled flights is driven by heightened demand for chartered aircraft, resulting in increased fares and bustling activity at Pune’s aviation hub.
- Over the past 10 days, Pune airport has witnessed more than 50 non-scheduled flight operations, with expectations of further escalation as the election date approaches.
- The Indian Air Force has allocated 220 slots for flight operations, leaving approximately 18-19 slots vacant. However, limited overnight parking bays pose a challenge in accommodating these operations.
- Airport officials anticipate a continued surge in flight movements as the electoral season progresses, with political parties opting for chartered flights and helicopters, exacerbating the shortage of approximately 250 aircraft in Maharashtra.
- The surge in demand has led to significant fare hikes for air travel services. For instance, fares for single-engine choppers have surged to Rs 2.5 lakh per hour from Rs 1.2 lakh per hour, while twin-engine choppers now command Rs 7 lakh per hour compared to Rs 2.5 lakh per hour previously.
- Flight plans must undergo meticulous approval processes by airport authorities and Air Traffic Control, often requiring negotiations to minimize disruptions to regular flight schedules amidst the heightened activity.
The surge in non-scheduled flights underscores the critical role of Pune airport in facilitating electoral activities, albeit presenting logistical challenges amidst heightened demand and soaring fares.
