Naysa Shrivastava, Pune
The commencement of Pune International Airport’s new terminal took place on Sunday, four months after its virtual inauguration by PM Narendra Modi from an event in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, on 10th March. Air India (AI-858) Pune-Delhi and Air India Express (I5 320) Pune-Bhubaneshwar are the two flights departed from the new terminal building. Nine arrivals and nine departures were organised for the first day. The first passengers of the flight were felicitated with a boarding pass by Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of state for civil aviation and local MP.
The Airports Authority of India has decided to switch the remaining flights schedule by the first week of August. The shifting is getting postponed because of low availability of CISF personnels at the airport. The authority has sanctioned 734 CISF personnels but only 453 are posted yet and made a request to deploy more personnel as per the requirement of the new terminal. The terminal building has a massive built-up area of 52,000 square metres and has a capacity of 9 million passengers per annum and built at the cost of 423 crores, officials told Indian Express.
The terminal consists, 34 check-in counters and 25 self check-in counters, this will help the passengers to complete the formalities on time and travel faster. The number of aero-bridges are doubled up and this will ensure the smooth check-in process. It also has, In-line Hold baggage Handling System, an automated system helps in avoiding long queues and makes the baggage security procedure hassle-free. The Pune airport will have a bus at AeroMall ( the old area) which will carry the passengers to the new terminal in case of confusion. Airport’s Director, Santosh Dhoke told Indian Express that both the airlines will operate for 16 arrivals and departures from Monday onwards.
Mohol told Hindustan Times, “It’s a matter of great joy for me and a moment of pride for Punekars that the new terminal building has been established, which provides great facilities to meet the growing needs of Pune flyers and also prays tribute to Pune’s history and culture now being operationalised.The country has become the third largest aviation sector in the world.” Government also plans to construct 25-30 airports across India. The first passenger, lieutenant Colonel Manisha thanked AAI and the government for establishing this terminal with modern amenities. The passengers are happy about this development and eagerly waiting for the commencement of all the airlines.