Pune Airport Resumes Operations Following IAF Runway Incident

Flight operations at Pune Airport resumed on Saturday morning following an 11-hour suspension triggered by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft incident. The disruption began at approximately 10:25 pm on Friday when an IAF aircraft suffered a landing gear failure, resulting in a hard landing that left the plane stranded on the runway. While a minor fire broke out upon impact, it was promptly extinguished, and all crew members were reported safe. Airport authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert pilots, forcing the closure of the airfield while the wreckage was cleared.

Operational Impact and Passenger Disruption

The closure caused significant logistical challenges, leading to the cancellation of scores of domestic flights operated by major carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. In addition to cancellations, multiple inbound flights were diverted to cities such as Goa, Chennai, and Navi Mumbai. To mitigate passenger distress, airport officials and airline staff provided refreshments and continuous updates while managing terminal congestion. Following a rigorous safety inspection and runway clearance, the IAF declared the facility operational, allowing for a phased restoration of air traffic. Airlines are now working to clear the backlog and return to full schedule capacity as service stabilizes.

At a glance

• Pune Airport traffic resumed Saturday morning after an 11-hour shutdown caused by an IAF aircraft’s landing gear failure.
• The incident resulted in the cancellation of dozens of flights and the diversion of several others to nearby airports.
• All IAF crew members remained safe, and the runway was reopened following mandatory safety clearances and debris removal.
• Airport authorities are managing a backlog of travelers as operations return to their normal phased schedule.