Pune: Leopard Sightings Trigger High Alert at Pune Airport; Authorities Struggle to Contain Big Cat

Multiple Sightings Raise Alarm

In recent weeks, multiple leopard sightings near the runway have triggered a high alert. Surveillance footage has not only confirmed the presence of at least two leopards within the airport perimeter but also captured jungle cats, hares, and stray dogs roaming freely in the restricted zone. This has raised concerns that parts of the airport have inadvertently become a thriving habitat for wildlife.

Authorities, including forest officials and airport personnel, are closely monitoring the situation after Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel reported a leopard sighting inside the premises. A coordinated effort involving the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), forest department, and dog squads has led to the capture of five stray dogs, but the leopards remain at large.

Runway Intruders: A Persistent Problem

The first official leopard sighting was recorded on April 28, sparking an extensive rescue operation. Despite using trap cages, sniffer dogs, and surveillance, the leopards have outsmarted every attempt to capture them. Officials have identified monsoon drains and underground sewage lines near the runway and taxiways as key entry points. While these have been sealed with iron grills, the big cats continue to find new ways in and out.

These underground structures have also become havens for stray dogs and rabbits, making the area an ideal hunting ground for leopards.

Why Are Leopards Entering the Airport?

Experts cite several reasons for the leopards’ presence:

Vast 2,900-acre expanse with limited human activity
Easy availability of prey, including stray dogs and rabbits
Ample water sources and hidden access via underground channels

Efforts Yield No Results

“Despite extensive efforts, not a single leopard has been caught,” officials admitted. A forest official revealed, “The leopard has walked past cages but hasn’t stepped inside,” suggesting the animal is highly cautious and intelligent.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, recently chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from PMC, IAF, and airport authorities to address the threat. “We are closely monitoring the leopard’s movements. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure passenger and flight safety,” he told Pune Times Mirror.

A Real Threat to Aviation Safety

Airport officials confirmed the seriousness of the issue, stating that the IAF is leading containment efforts. Meanwhile, wildlife experts like Neha Panchamiya, president of RESQ Charitable Trust, believe that reducing the prey base (stray dogs and rabbits) will eventually drive the leopards away.

A Bigger Wildlife Problem

Leopards are just one part of the challenge. The airport is also battling rising stray dog and bird activity, which poses risks to flight operations. A recent bird strike incident on an aircraft engine has heightened safety concerns.

A survey revealed 11 unauthorized garbage dumping sites within a 5-6 km radius of the airport, attracting scavengers and wildlife. Authorities are now clearing these sites to cut off food sources luring animals into the airport.

Record Passenger Traffic Amid Wildlife Crisis

Despite these challenges, Pune Airport continues to operate at record capacity. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) reported 1.04 crore passengers in FY 2024–25, a 9.8% increase from the previous year. In May 2025 alone, the airport handled an all-time high of 9.38 lakh passengers. Cargo movement is also booming, with 4,200 metric tons transported in May.

Conclusion: A Runway for Planes, Not Predators

As authorities intensify efforts to secure the airport from ground-level and aerial threats, the leopard remains the most elusive passenger. Officials vow that the runway will stay reserved for planes—not predators.