Pune International Airport: All Updates Of Lohegaon Airport & New Airport In Purandar

Table of Content:

1. Pune International Airport: An Overview​
2. Pune International Airport: Terminals
3. Reasons For The Launch Of Pune’s New Airport
4. Pune’s New Airport At Purandar
5. Latest Updates On New Pune International Airport

Pune has experienced impressive development in recent years due to its flourishing IT sector, the evolution of the Pune metro, and the thriving population. The Pune International Airport is also a key driver behind this advancement, which has played a vital role in this city's remarkable growth. Boasting contemporary infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, the Pune International Airport (PNQ) has improved travel experiences and left a lasting imprint on Pune's real estate scenery.

Pune Airport experienced an extraordinary month in June 2023, marked by the commencement of operations for 11 new flights to various destinations. This expansion initiative aims to address the gaps in the summer schedule, enhancing passenger travel options and bolstering regional connectivity.

The ongoing plans for expansion extend beyond these recent additions. The first week of July will introduce two additional routes connecting Pune to Rajkot and Vadodara. Furthermore, a new service will commence in the upcoming month to Hyderabad, followed by a flight from Pune to Goa via the Manohar International Airport in North Goa. 

Today's article will help you discover more about the Pune airport’s terminals, and many other features. So, without further delay, let's dive into this exciting read. 

Pune International Airport: An Overview

Known by another name, Pune Lohegaon Airport, it is located on the eastern side of Lohegaon Air Force Station and is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India, a statutory organization under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Notably, this organization is responsible for the management of 137 airports, which include 24 international, 10 customs, and 103 domestic airports.

It is one of the busiest airports in India, handling more than 2.8 million passengers annually. The Pune international airport serves both domestic and international air traffic and has a single civil passenger terminal because it is an Air Force base.  

Pune International Airport: Terminals 

1. PUNE AIRPORT TERMINAL: I

The entire flight traffic at Pune Airport is currently handled by Terminal 1 (the airport's only integrated terminal). The terminal regulates both domestic as well as international flight arrivals and departures. The terminal comprises two aerobridges and about 26 check-in counters. 

2. PUNE AIRPORT TERMINAL -II 

The construction of the second terminal in Pune airport began in 2018 and is now on the verge of completion. The trial run is expected to take place on July 1, 2023, whereas the commercial operations of the terminal will take place in the month of August. Additionally, the airport power substation adjacent to the entrance gate will relocate to the new structure, freeing up more area for constructing passenger facilities. 

Also Read: 6 Best Areas to Live in Pune for a Comfortable Lifestyle 

Reasons For The Launch Of Pune’s New Airport

Due to the Lohegaon Air Force Station's tight security measures and restricted access, there aren't as many international flights as required. Moreover, the Pune international airport had only one terminal, which caused flight delays and cancellations. Reasons like these made AAI and the State Government decide to establish a new airport in Pune at Purandar. 

Pune’s New Airport At Purandar

The name of Pune's new airport which is currently under construction is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International. 

Pune’s new airport location is 45 km away from the city. The development of the new Pune airport has seen an investment of around Rs 14,000 crore. It is spread over an expansive area of 2,400 hectares, with the state owning 1,300 hectares of land.

Below you will see the list of villages that Pune new airport will cover under the Purandar tehsil-

• Paragon

• Memane

• Rajewadi

• Waghpur

• Ambodi

• Pisarve

• Rajodi

• Jejuri 

The project would be managed under a Special Purpose Vehicle using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a 51% share claimed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). 

MADC will retain 19% of the remaining share, while the 30% will be split between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

Also Read: 10 Biggest Airports in India: Fueling India’s Global Connectivity 

Latest Updates On New Pune International Airport

• The upcoming new Pune international airport will feature two parallel airstrips, each 4 kilometers long, exclusively dedicated to the freight terminal. Initially, there were expectations that this new international airport in Pune would be completed within a 4-year timeframe. However, due to a temporary change of location to Purandar and the subsequent cancellation of the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the new site, the project faced hurdles caused by the state's political climate.

• Considering the impact of this delay on the city's residents, it has been proposed that the current terminal at Lohegaon Airport undergo expansion to accommodate the growing demand. Under the management of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the current capacity of Lohegaon Airport, which stands at seven million passengers annually, will more than triple to over 16 million passengers annually.

• A second terminal is being constructed at Lohegaon Airport to address this expansion, expected to be completed by August 2023. The new terminal will be connected to the existing one and is being developed within a budget of approximately Rs 475 crore.

Conclusion 

The development of the new Pune international airport, known as the greenfield airport project, has garnered considerable attention and excitement among real estate investors, developers, and residents. The proximity to the airport presents a promising opportunity for commercial and residential real estate expansion, with the potential for property values to appreciate significantly. This makes the surrounding area appealing to individuals seeking to make investments.

Once operational, the new airport will play a crucial role in relieving the current Pune International Airport strain and meeting the increasing demand for air travel. Its presence will provide much-needed relief and enhanced convenience for travelers.

Also Read: Stamp Duty & Property Registration Charges in Pune