Pune is gearing up to unveil its new airport terminal in the first week of May, according to the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Initially, during the testing phase of the opening, only two airlines, Air India and Air India Express, have been designated to operate from the new terminal.

During the initial testing phase, other flights will continue to operate from the existing terminal as usual. The two designated airlines, Air India and Air India Express, will conduct ‘test flights’ to assess passenger experience and identify any potential issues with the new terminal. If the test flight operations prove successful in the initial phase, the AAI will subsequently open the terminal to other airlines.

The new terminal recently received approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which is responsible for establishing safety guidelines and procedures for civil flights at Indian international and domestic airports. Following the approval, testing of specific aircraft for the proposed new terminal commenced.

On average, approximately 16 flights operated by Air India and Air India Express are conducted daily from Pune airport, totaling 32 flights per day that will be accommodated at the new terminal.

Santosh Dhoke, Director, Pune Airport, stated that while the airport authorities have not yet received an official letter, the BCAS has approved the new terminal. Once the official letter is received, the airport authorities will proceed with allowing airlines to operate from the new terminal. However, the specific date for this transition cannot be disclosed at the moment.