AAI to pour Rs 220 cr in Pune airport

With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) investing Rs 220 crore in the Pune International Airport, it is expected to give a makeover to the airport in the next two years.

The civilian air operations are however expected to remain severely affected during this period

Addressing a press conference here, Pune Airport Director Deepak Shastri said that a parallel taxiway, aircraft hangars, airport complex expansion and various other minor projects are expected to begin in the next six months and for this huge investments have been approved.

The airport, managed by the Indian Air force (IAF) is already undergoing runway re-carpetting, due to which, the daily flying hours have been curtailed to between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.

"We have already spent Rs 70 crore on expanding the passenger lobby and other facilities at the airport. The proposed projects include the laying of a parallel taxiway, construction of hangars, east-west expansion of the airport complex and a cargo complex at the airport. The AAI has planned an investment of Rs 150 crore for all these development works. All these projects would be completed in another two, to two and a half years," Shastri stated.

Presently, the airport operates 30 flights a day. The restrictions imposed on the flying hours have led to five city-bound flights being withdrawn. With various projects coming up, the civil air operations are expected to remain affected in the years to come.

Pune city is also going to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in October next year. The AAI plans to keep the airport ready for the international event.

"The IAF is also investing a huge amount in the runway development and expansion. Once this happens, the landing of international flights would become easier at Pune airport," he added.