Pune: The long-standing efforts to expand Pune Airport’s runway and improve its infrastructure have moved a step closer to reality, as a positive Obstacle Limitation Survey (OLS) report has been received. This development is crucial for allowing international flights to operate more smoothly from Pune.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that after addressing a few remaining technical aspects, Pune Airport will soon be ready for international operations.

A high-level technical meeting was recently convened in New Delhi at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, focusing on enhancing international flight operations from Pune by making it suitable for Code 'E' aircraft, which are larger and require specific runway conditions. The OLS report's favorable outcome has paved the way for these developments.

During the meeting, various issues were discussed, including land acquisition by the state government and the transfer of land from the Ministry of Defense.

Other crucial subjects, such as the runway’s required length and the construction of a new terminal building, were also addressed. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was instructed to collaborate closely with both the Ministry of Defense and the state government to expedite further surveys and ensure smooth coordination on the project.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Secretary of Civil Aviation Vumlunmang Vualnam Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Deepti Mohil Chawla, AAI Chairperson M. Suresh, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulakundwar, Group Captain Manoj Rana, Air Marshal Y.K. Dixit, and Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke.