Airport – Pune Runway Reopens After IAF Aircraft Incident Disrupts Flights
Airport – The runway at Pune International Airport has been reopened and flight services are gradually returning to normal after a temporary shutdown caused by an Indian Air Force aircraft incident.
The runway at Pune International Airport is once again operational following a brief closure triggered by a technical issue involving an Indian Air Force aircraft. Authorities confirmed that all necessary inspections were completed before resuming flight movements in a phased manner, ensuring safety standards were fully met.
Runway Closure Triggered by Late-Night Incident
The disruption began late Friday night when an Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet reportedly encountered a tyre burst during take-off. According to sources, the pilots aborted the take-off procedure immediately, preventing any further escalation. While the aircrew remained unharmed and no civilian property was affected, the aircraft is believed to have caused minor damage to the runway surface.
The airport, which functions as a dual-use facility for both civilian and military operations, suspended all flight activity at approximately 10:25 pm. The closure was necessary to allow technical teams to assess and repair the affected portion of the runway.
Safety Checks and Restoration Efforts
Following the incident, airport authorities and Air Force personnel worked through the night to restore the runway. Officials indicated that the process, including debris clearance and surface inspection, was expected to take around four to five hours. Comprehensive safety checks were carried out before granting clearance for operations to resume.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed that all protocols had been followed and that the runway had been declared fit for use. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that both military and civilian flight safety was not compromised at any stage.
Impact on Flight Operations and Passenger Advisory
The overnight suspension of operations led to delays and disruptions for several flights. Airlines were promptly informed about the situation, allowing them to make necessary adjustments. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged the temporary halt and confirmed that coordination with airlines was underway.
IndiGo, one of the major carriers operating from Pune, issued a travel advisory expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline encouraged travelers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. It also offered flexible options such as rebooking or full refunds under its contingency policy.
Airline staff and airport teams were deployed to assist passengers during the disruption, helping manage rescheduling and addressing concerns on the ground.
Gradual Resumption of Services
Flight operations began resuming early Saturday morning. Departures restarted at around 7:30 am, followed by arrivals at approximately 8:00 am. Authorities noted that air traffic is steadily stabilizing, although some residual delays may persist as schedules normalize.
Passengers have been advised to stay updated through airline notifications and airport announcements as operations continue to return to full capacity.
Context of Previous Incidents
This is not the first time such an incident has affected operations at Pune Airport. A similar tyre-related issue involving a military aircraft had disrupted services in 2022. Additionally, in March this year, a separate Su-30MKI crash in Assam resulted in the loss of two pilots, highlighting ongoing concerns around operational risks associated with high-performance aircraft.
Despite these challenges, aviation authorities continue to emphasize strict adherence to safety procedures and rapid response mechanisms to minimize disruption and ensure passenger safety.
The swift restoration of Pune’s runway reflects coordinated efforts between the Indian Air Force, airport authorities, and airline operators, allowing services to return to normal within hours of the incident.