Pune Airport Expands Passenger Waiting Area Ahead of Festive Season
The Lohegaon airport is set to increase space for passengers waiting to board flights before the festive season, following a critical facility inspection.
Airport director Santosh Dhoke confirmed that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) recently finished inspecting a new security hold area (SHA), with the final report expected soon.
Dhoke stated that all installation and equipment commissioning at the new SHA are complete, and operations will begin once approval is received.
Developed in the old terminal building, the new SHA adds 4,000 square meters to the airport’s existing 50,000 square meters. The project began in early 2025 and has missed multiple deadlines since February.
Airport officials expect the SHA to be operational before October, accommodating travelers during the Dushera, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year holidays.
An official noted that the BCAS inspection, a time-consuming process, is now complete, and approval is expected shortly. The new integrated SHA aims to streamline check-in and boarding.
Pune airport currently manages approximately 32,000 to 33,000 passengers and 200 daily flight movements. Recent figures show slight fluctuations in traffic.
The new facility will feature 14 check-in counters, three X-ray baggage screening machines, and two remote boarding gates, with another departure gate planned upon activation.
In May, officials addressed concerns about timing, stating the project was 95% complete and would open within two to three months.
Passengers have acknowledged the new terminal, operational since 2024, for alleviating crowding. Regular flyers noted improved conditions, although delays can still cause temporary issues.
Frequent travelers also expressed hope that the new SHA would include adequate amenities, such as food stalls, to meet passenger needs.
Jayant Mahajan is a writer and contributor at PuneNow, covering the intersection of technology, climate action, and urban governance across Pune. With an extensive background in business management, digital transformation, and academia, Jayant brings real-world insight to local sustainability issues, from civic infrastructure to smart city data ethics. As an educator and founder of the Change Before Climate Change mission, he focuses on how Pune’s institutions and businesses can build future-ready, sustainable systems. Through his columns, Jayant bridges policy, technology, and practical action to help Punekars navigate a rapidly changing urban climate.
