Pune: A crucial survey known as the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey is likely to be conducted for Pune Airport soon. This development follows a request made by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Mohol is scheduled to meet Singh on Monday (June 24) to discuss the runway expansion.

Efforts to extend the length and width of Pune Airport's runway have been ongoing for several years. Recently, the state government approved the proposal for the runway extension.

Currently, the runway is 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) long and 45 meters wide. An additional 500 meters to the east and 300 meters to the west are required.

Extending the runway by approximately 800 meters would increase its length to about 10,940 feet. This extension would enable larger aircraft to land at Pune Airport. The estimated cost for land acquisition is around ₹160 crore.

In the meantime, an Air India aircraft has been grounded at Parking Bay No. 1 since last month, affecting other passenger flights and causing delays. Mohol will also address this issue, requesting that the damaged aircraft be relocated to an Air Force area.

Mohol stated, "With the expansion of Pune Airport's runway, larger aircraft will be able to take off and land, potentially enabling direct flights from Pune to destinations in the United States and Europe. The OLS survey is essential for this development."

What is an OLS Survey?

The Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey is conducted to ensure the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. This preliminary survey assesses buildings, hills, and tall trees in the airport vicinity to identify potential obstacles. If no significant obstacles are found, the runway extension or new runway construction can proceed, and flight operations can be approved.