Pune airport is set to undergo a major expansion with its runway being extended by approximately one kilometer.
The state government will facilitate the necessary land acquisition for this expansion, which involves private land to the east and a municipal road to the west.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) will conduct a comprehensive survey before the expansion work begins, with a completion timeline set for two months.
The Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey, a crucial step for runway expansion, has provided a positive report, accelerating the process. The runway, which is currently 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) long, will be extended by another 1,000 meters, bringing the total length to 9,316 feet. The width of the runway, which is 45 meters, will remain unchanged.
The estimated cost of land acquisition is ₹160 crore, with 650 meters of land required on the eastern side and 350 meters on the western side. The expansion is necessary to accommodate larger aircraft and increase the airport’s operational capacity.
Pune airport’s aerodrome code is currently ‘4D’, meaning it handles aircraft with wingspans between 36 and 52 meters. Once the runway is extended, the airport will be able to accommodate larger ‘Code E’ aircraft, which have wingspans of up to 65 meters.
In addition to the runway extension, the airport will also see an increase in apron space from 540 meters to 940 meters, allowing for 16 aircraft to be stationed simultaneously. The relocation of hangars will facilitate this increase in capacity.
The approach lights and CAT II system, which assist in guiding aircraft during takeoff and landing, will also need to be relocated to accommodate the extended runway. This system is particularly crucial during adverse weather conditions.
Santosh Dhoke, Director of Pune Airport, said, “With the positive OLS report, we are moving forward with plans to extend the runway by about one kilometer. Once completed, the airport will be capable of handling larger ‘Code E’ aircraft, significantly enhancing its operational capacity.”