Pune: The long-pending proposal to extend the runway at Pune Airport is on the verge of final approval. The state government has given its consent, and the proposal has been forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for final clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office, according to senior airport officials who requested anonymity.
The Ministry of Defence has indicated a positive response, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to make a decision shortly. Efforts to extend the runway have been underway for several years, and the recent proactive stance of the state government has accelerated progress.
60 per cent state government funding
The runway extension will require the acquisition of land from both the Air Force and private owners, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹160 crore. The state government will cover 60% of this cost, while Pune Municipal Corporation will contribute 20%, and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and PMRDA will each cover 10%. Over recent months, senior officials from the Air Force and municipal corporations have conducted several meetings, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has strongly advocated for the necessary land acquisition.
Benefits of the Extended Runway
Currently, Pune Airport handles aircraft such as the Boeing 737, Airbus A319, A320, A321, Dash 8, and Embraer ERJ, which have a passenger capacity of around 180. These aircraft are not capable of uninterrupted long-haul flights, limiting the airport’s international service capabilities.
The proposed runway extension will accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 (Dreamliner), which have passenger capacities ranging from 220 to 400. This will enable direct, non-stop flights from Pune to destinations in the USA and Europe.
Runway Extension Specifications
Current Length: 8,858 feet (2.69 kilometers)
Extended Length: 11,482 feet (3.49 kilometers)
Increase in Length: 2,624 feet (0.79 kilometers)