Pune airport readies for international debut

Public-private partnership model to improve infrastructure

The Lohegaon airport in Pune is in for a makeover. The airport, which is set to "go global" from December 12, has drawn up a blueprint to upgrade its infrastructure, invite private-public-partnerships, and increase the 'watch hours' (time during which civilian flights are allowed to operate from by the Air Force).

Air-India has decided to launch direct flights from Pune to Sharjah in the UAE. This will followed by Indian Airlines starting its flights to Singapore. The opening of the airport for international services came as a birthday gift to Union Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar (who turns 64) from Civil Aviation Praful Patel.

Though sceptics are not convinced, Pune Airport Director Deepak Shastri is bullish. He says various modes are being looked at for making it one of the best international terminals in the country. Upgrading the existing infrastructure to accommodate more passengers and improving existing infrastructure are the top priorities.

At present, 16 aircraft take off from the airport on a daily basis and with improvement in infrastructure, the airport authorities are planning to increase it to 24 in the next five months, Shastri said.

"We are working on a rapid pace and the airport would be ready to take care of international security checks and servicing of long-haul flights much before the inauguration of the terminal," he said. Improving the Port Lounge and restaurant facilities are being undertaken on a war-footing.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is looking at inviting public-private partnerships to improve the infrastructure of the airport and acquire adjoining land to increase the total area of the airport. Improving infrastructure would also make the airport suitable for a hub-and-spoke operations, Shastri said.

Increasing of 'Watch Hours' is another important issue. At present, civilian flights are permitted to operate only between 7 am and 8 am and 9.30 am and 10 pm. The authorities are planning to seek permission from the Air Force, as Lohegaon airport is under the control of Indian Air Force. Presently, the airport is also home to IAF's Sukhoi 30s, even though it doubles up as a domestic enclave.

Till 2003, the airport was used mainly for cargo operations. The only problem, observers say, is the fact that despite its international debut, Lohegaon will not be a civil airport, and will remain under the control of the defence wing.

Earlier, AK Mishra, director (planning) Airport Authority of India told this newspaper, "Since Lohegaon's civilian airport is a part of the IAF base, air traffic control and all other operational controls will remain with the IAF authorities."