Latest news with #PuneAirport
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Full scale emergency mock drill conducted at the Pune airport
A Full-Scale Emergency Mock Drill was successfully conducted at Pune Airport on Saturday in alignment with the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) as per the guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The exercise was aimed at evaluating the preparedness, response coordination, and operational efficiency of all stakeholders in handling a real-time aviation emergency scenario. The simulated situation involved detection of smoke in the cockpit of a dummy incoming aircraft. Upon receipt of this information, the Airport Emergency Plan was immediately activated, and alerts were disseminated to all relevant stakeholders. Multiple emergency centres were established swiftly to manage the incident, including the Emergency Control Centre (ECC), Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Emergency Control Room (ECR), Survivors Reception Centre (SRC), Crew Reception Centre (CRC), Friends and Relatives Reception Centre (FRRC), Reunion Area (RA), Rendezvous Point (RP), and a dedicated Media Centre. A passenger coach was also stationed to simulate aircraft, ensuring realism in the response efforts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Following the alert, firefighting units from the Indian Air Force (IAF) Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services, along with fire brigades from PMC, PMRDA, and PCMC, responded immediately to the scene. The simulated fires were extinguished efficiently and rescue operations were carried out to evacuate dummy passengers. Medical teams from the Airport Health Organization (APHO), district medical services, and local hospitals administered first aid on-site and transported the injured to designated hospitals. Survivors were guided to the appropriate reception centres for further care and support. The drill witnessed active participation and coordination among various airport-based agencies including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Immigration, Airlines, Ground Handling Agencies (GHA), and APHO. In addition, critical support was extended by agencies from the city of Pune and surrounding regions such as the PMC, PMRDA, and PCMC Fire Services, Civil Defence, District Administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), District Medical Services, State Police, and local hospitals. Approximately 330 personnel from various agencies took part in the mock drill, making it one of the most comprehensive emergency preparedness exercises conducted at Pune Airport. The overall response was prompt, organized, and effective, reflecting the high level of preparedness and synergy among all involved agencies. During the post-drill debriefing, observations and recommendations were shared by independent evaluators with the participating teams, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. The Airport Director appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
PMC begins inspection of illegal meat shops around Pune Airport
Amid growing concerns over stray animals wandering on the runway and possible bird hits to aircraft, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated inspection of (unauthorised) meat/poultry shops operating around Pune Airport. The move comes on the back of a recent incident wherein an Air India Express flight had to abort landing due to the presence of a stray dog on the runway. According to PMC officials, its veterinary department managed to capture at least 12 stray dogs from around the airport between June 24 and July 11. (HT PHOTO) Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, chief veterinary officer, PMC, informed that a letter has been submitted to the Yerawada Kalas Dhanori and Nagar Road-Vadgaonsheri ward offices directing an inspection of meat/poultry shops operating in their jurisdiction. The ward offices have been instructed to ensure that these shops dispose of their waste as per Solid Waste Management Rules to prevent the threat of bird hits to aircraft. Currently, there are only five meat shops within a radius of five kilometres of the Pune Airport. The PMC team has started inspecting meat/poultry shops in areas such as Sanjay Park, Lohegaon, Viman Nagar, and Nagar Road. Besides, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram will personally visit and inspect Pune International Airport and the surrounding areas on Saturday, officials said. Dr Funde-Bhosale further said, 'The PMC has instructed that meat/poultry shop licences be decentralised. Sanitary inspectors (SIs) and deputy sanitary inspectors (DSIs) from the Yerawada Kalas Dhanori ward office will carry out detailed checks and take strict action wherever necessary. As per the guidelines, no meat/poultry shops are allowed within 1,000 metres of the airport.' Apart from the veterinary department, the solid waste department too has been asked to ensure that animal and bird waste is properly handled and disposed of. Earlier on June 28, an Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar with 150 passengers on board had to abort landing and make a go-around before touching down safely due to the presence of a stray canine on the runway. This also sparked concerns about the presence of illegal meat/poultry shops around Pune International Airport and potential bird strikes caused by the slaughter of animals and sale of meat in close proximity to the airport. According to PMC officials, its veterinary department managed to capture at least 12 stray dogs from around the airport between June 24 and July 11. The canines were released into their original habitat in compliance with Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules and following multiple requests from animal activists including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Maneka Gandhi, officials said. The presence of stray dogs, slaughter houses, meat/poultry shops near the airport has been flagged as a serious concern by both civic officials and aviation experts. The animal and bird waste tends to attract large birds such as kites and vultures raising the risk of bird hits during flight operations.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
New ‘Meet & Greet' and porter services launched at Pune Airport
In a welcome move, the Pune Airport last week launched its 'meet and greet' and porter services, modelled on the lines of the traditional porter (coolie) service at Indian railway stations. These services are meant to assist travellers, especially senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and those carrying heavy luggage by providing manpower support from the airport entrance to security check-in for departing passengers and from the conveyor belt to taxi stands for those arriving in Pune. Often passengers have to struggle with multiple/heavy bags that cause stress, especially in the case of senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities. (HT) Pune Airport director Santosh Dhoke said, 'Two special counters have been set up at the new terminal building for these services, where travellers can book assistance. Dedicated personnel will ensure that the luggage is handled safely and efficiently.' Often passengers have to struggle with multiple/heavy bags that cause stress, especially in the case of senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities. These new services aim to reduce that burden/strain significantly. Under these services, passengers will no longer have to worry about carrying heavy bags across long distances within the airport premises, as per the information shared by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Pune. Akin to the coolie system at railway stations, passengers will now be able to hire help for a nominal fee to carry their luggage. The services include handling luggage from the airport entrance to the security check-in counter for departing passengers, and from the conveyor belt to tax stands for those arriving in Pune. The initiative is expected to make travel through Pune Airport more comfortable, accessible and hassle-free for all categories of passengers. Airport authorities have reported a positive response from travellers who have termed the move as 'thoughtful and much-needed'. Authorities have urged all passengers to make use of this convenient new facility. Vinaya Mandoli, a frequent flyer, said, 'I was genuinely surprised and pleased to see the new 'Meet and Greet' and porter services at Pune Airport. I had just returned from a long international flight with three heavy bags and was quite anxious about managing them alone. The porter assigned to me was very professional; he collected my luggage from the conveyor belt and accompanied me right up to my cab outside. It felt like a seamless and stress-free experience; something you don't always expect at Indian airports. As a senior citizen, this service made a big difference to me. I hope more airports across the country follow this example.'
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pilot falls ill before takeoff, IndiGo Delhi-Pune flight delayed by 4.5 hours: 'Appropriate medical assistance was provided'
NEW DELHI: A Delhi-to-Pune IndiGo flight was delayed by four-and-a-half hours on Friday after the pilot scheduled to operate the aircraft fell ill moments before takeoff, the airline confirmed in a statement issued Saturday. Flight 6E 2262, originally set to depart Delhi at 6:00 am on July 4, was forced to return to the bay after the pilot reported feeling unwell, IndiGo said. The airline added that the situation was handled as per standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the crew member was given immediate medical attention. 'Appropriate medical assistance was provided to the unwell crew and an alternative crew was assigned to operate the aircraft, causing a delay in the flight,' IndiGo said, without revealing further details about the pilot's condition. Data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed that the flight eventually took off at 10:27 am, over four hours behind schedule. IndiGo further noted that the flight also faced delays due to temporary airspace restrictions at Pune Airport, contributing to the extended disruption. The incident came on the same day another airline reported a similar scare, an Air India commander collapsed in the cockpit in Bengaluru just before operating a flight to Delhi.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Direct flights from Pune to Europe likely soon: Murlidhar Mohol
For Punekars who have long desired direct flights to international destinations like Europe, relief is round-the-corner. Union minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol has announced that the process for extending the runway has already begun. Currently, Pune Airport does not operate direct flights to European countries due to infrastructural limitations, particularly the length of the runway. Mohol also highlighted the importance of the new airport project at Purandar, which has faced several delays (HT) About the development, Mohol said, 'There are currently no direct international flights operating out of Pune because the runway isn't long enough to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft used for such routes. But the process for extending the runway has already begun. Nearly 300 acres of land will be acquired for this expansion. Sixty per cent of the total cost of land acquisition will be borne by the Maharashtra government; 20% by the Pune Municipal Corporation; 10% by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC); and the remaining 10% by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Within the next one-and-a-half years, Punekars will be able to travel directly from Pune to international destinations with flights connecting to European destinations.' The announcement is part of a broader vision to improve air connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Mohol also highlighted the importance of the new airport project at Purandar, which has faced several delays, especially over land acquisition. The minister confirmed that the state government has now finalised the location for Purandar Airport and the land acquisition process is underway. This airport is expected to operate on par with international standards and significantly boost connectivity to and from Pune and the surrounding regions of western Maharashtra. 'When a new airport is proposed anywhere in the country, it is the state government's responsibility to allocate land. During Devendra Fadnavis's earlier tenure as chief minister between 2014 and 2019, the site for Purandar Airport was finalised, and work on the project began. The fact that Pune will soon have an international airport at Purandar is a matter of pride for both the city and western Maharashtra,' Mohol said. The minister also spoke about ongoing upgrades at Pune Airport. He shared that operations of the new terminal have now begun fully, and the transition from the old terminal is almost complete. 'Even though I travel across the country, Pune will always be my top priority. That is why I ensured that operations at the new terminal of Pune Airport commenced without delay. Today, 100% of operations are taking place through the new terminal. Simultaneously, we've also initiated redevelopment work on the old terminal,' he stated. Kedar Mane, a flyer, said, 'This is incredible news for all of us who have to travel internationally, especially to Europe. Right now, I have to either go to Mumbai or Delhi to catch a direct flight, which adds so much time, cost, and inconvenience to the trip. The idea that in just over a year, I might be able to fly directly to Frankfurt or Amsterdam from Pune is honestly a dream come true. It's not just about convenience; this kind of connectivity will put Pune on the global business map in a much stronger way. I hope the runway expansion and terminal upgrades take place as per the timelines announced. We've been waiting for this for years.' Currently, Pune Airport operates flights to 35 domestic destinations and three international destinations, the latter including two flights to Dubai, two to Bangkok, and one to Singapore.
