Pune, 7th July 2025: Pune Airport has launched a set of passenger-friendly services aimed at improving the travel experience for those who require additional assistance. The new 'Meet and Greet' and porter services, now available at the terminal, offer end-to-end support for travellers, from the entrance to the check-in counter for departures, and from the baggage carousel to the taxi pick-up point for arrivals.
Inspired by the long-standing porter model familiar to railway users in India, the initiative is designed to ease the journey for senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and those travelling with multiple or heavy bags.
Two dedicated service counters have been set up in the newly expanded terminal, allowing travellers to book assistance in real time. Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the services aim to bridge accessibility gaps and ensure that vulnerable passengers are not left behind in the rapidly evolving airport environment.
Trained personnel will assist with baggage handling and mobility support, ensuring safety and efficiency throughout the process. The move reflects Pune Airport’s growing commitment to offer not just infrastructure but user-friendly service delivery in line with international practices.
The response from travellers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many passengers have appreciated the affordability and convenience of the services, which are available for a nominal charge. Officials said this human-centric offering is part of a broader trend in the aviation sector, where even tech-heavy airports are now complementing automation with personalised assistance.
As India’s aviation traffic rises, especially across Tier-2 cities like Pune, creating inclusive, people-first airports is becoming essential for maintaining competitiveness and traveller satisfaction.
Beyond convenience, the porter and greeting services are also aligned with sustainability and employment goals. By reducing the need for mechanised luggage movement over long distances, the airport hopes to lower its environmental footprint.
At the same time, the service promotes local employment, particularly for individuals from marginalised communities. Pune Airport has also ensured a gender-balanced workforce among its deployed staff, who are not only trained in baggage handling but also in customer service, emergency procedures, and assisting passengers with special needs.
Looking ahead, the AAI plans to expand this model to other airports such as Nagpur, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar, based on the early success seen in Pune. Future developments may include digital booking through mobile apps and multilingual support to assist diverse passengers.
For a city known for its cultural, educational, and tech significance, Pune is now setting an example in airport design that blends functionality with compassion, showing that inclusive growth and smart mobility can go hand in hand.