Pune: Despite the new terminal at Pune Airport opening for domestic flights on July 14, international flights are yet to commence due to pending approval from the Immigration Department.

This delay also affects the full operation of domestic flights from the new terminal, with most passengers still using the old terminal.

Currently, the airport administration has allowed only three airlines to operate from the new terminal: Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo.

IndiGo operates approximately 50 flights daily from Pune Airport, but only five flights to Delhi between 11 PM and 6 AM, along with five landings, are being handled by the new terminal. The remaining 45 flights still operate from the old terminal.

As of now, only 22 flights operate from the new terminal daily, handling 44 flights throughout the day, while the old terminal manages 130 to 135 flights daily.

From August 9, the airport administration has permitted Air Akasa to start operations from the new terminal. Once Akasa begins, other airlines like Vistara and SpiceJet will follow, and all airlines are expected to operate from the new terminal by the end of the month.

Addressing Immigration Concerns

The new terminal has dedicated arrangements for customs and immigration. Initially, the Immigration Department raised objections regarding the space, which the airport administration has since resolved.

However, the Immigration Department's headquarters has not yet approved operations at the new terminal, directly impacting international flights and landings. International flights will only commence once approval is received from the Immigration Department's headquarters in Delhi.

Santosh Dhoke, Airport Director, Pune: "We have not yet received approval from the Immigration Department's headquarters in Delhi. Without this, international flights cannot start from the new terminal."