Flyers Express Frustration Over Crowding at Pune Airport’s Old Terminal Despite New Building’s Availability

By Cross Talk India Team Last updated Oct 17, 2024

Viman Nagar, 17th October 2024: Passengers flying out of Pune airport are voicing their concerns about overcrowding at the old terminal, even though a new terminal has been operational for over three months. Despite the new facility, 37 flights are still being managed through the old terminal, leading to long delays at security checkpoints.

One flyer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience from early Monday morning: “I entered the security check queue around 2:50 am and didn’t get through until 3:35 am. This happens frequently, especially in the early hours. It makes no sense that flights haven’t been fully moved to the new building if it’s ready.”

Vinayak Shinde, another passenger flying to Chennai at 4:00 am the same day, echoed these frustrations. “Again situation at Pune Airport is collapsed completely Long queues for security check even after coming 2 hrs before flight time. CISF was full in action mode to cover crowd but there was not enough machines given to clear. Need to give more facilities to them. Because of there management atleast crowd moved and able to catch flight. Airport authorities should give more facilities to them”, he tweeted.

Pune airport recorded 200 flight movements on Sunday, with airport officials expecting this number to rise as the winter schedule approaches. Currently, SpiceJet, IndiGo (excluding its Pune-Delhi sector), and two international flights to Dubai and Singapore continue to operate from the old terminal, while the new terminal became functional on July 14.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated, “We are following the directives given to us by Pune airport officials,” when asked why some flights still operate from the old terminal.

Airport Director Santosh Dhoke did not comment on the overcrowding issues or the alleged lack of adequate infrastructure. Another airport official admitted, “Occasionally, flight delays cause bottlenecks, but the CISF personnel have been managing the situation as best as they can.”

Passengers have also raised concerns about conditions at the new terminal.

A frequent flyer offered their perspective: “I believe both terminals are being kept operational to handle the increased travel during the Diwali season, which is smart. However, the infrastructure at both buildings should be able to handle the crowds without these problems.”