Pune Airport Runway Reopens After IAF Aircraft Landing Issue Disrupts Flights
Pune Airport Runway News
Pune Airport operations returned to normal on Saturday morning after an overnight runway shutdown caused by an Indian Air Force fighter aircraft incident, which led to widespread flight cancellations, delays and diversions.
The disruption began late Friday night when an IAF aircraft reportedly suffered an undercarriage technical issue during landing at around 10:25 pm. The aircraft became immobilised on the runway, forcing authorities to suspend all landing and take-off operations at Pune Airport. Officials said both pilots were safe and no damage was caused to civil property.
Because the aircraft remained in the middle of the runway, airport authorities issued a temporary closure notice and emergency teams were deployed overnight to remove the jet, inspect the runway surface and restore flight operations safely.
After several hours of recovery work, the runway was declared operational on Saturday morning. Departures resumed around 7:30 am, while arrivals restarted from 8 am. The first commercial arrival landed shortly before 9 am, followed by the first scheduled departure soon after.
The overnight shutdown caused major inconvenience for passengers, with multiple airlines cancelling dozens of flights. IndiGo was among the worst affected, while Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Air India Express also reported cancellations. Several incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports including Mumbai, Surat, Goa, Chennai and Coimbatore.
Passengers at Pune Airport and connecting airports reported confusion, delays and lack of timely updates. Some travellers were offered refunds, while others were rerouted through Bengaluru or Mumbai.
Initial reports suggested the aircraft involved may have been a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, though the Indian Air Force has not officially confirmed the aircraft type. Authorities said a formal inquiry will determine the exact cause of the landing incident and technical failure.
With runway operations restored, Pune Airport said flight schedules are gradually returning to normal, though some delays may continue as airlines clear the backlog created by the overnight disruption.
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