Barely days after a fatal plane crash in Baramati shook the region’s aviation community, a fresh security lapse at Pune Airport has sparked national concern. A passenger on a domestic flight captured video footage of a stray dog roaming freely across the operational runway during active aircraft movements on Saturday evening.
The breach was documented by Devesh Lohandkar, a passenger traveling from Pune to Jalgaon on FLY99. The footage, recorded around 7:40 PM, shows the animal crossing the airstrip while planes were preparing for operations.
After seeing recent aviation incidents, it was shocking to see a dog moving freely on the runway. As a passenger, it made me anxious about how such a situation could have been allowed at a busy airport like Pune
Devesh Lohandkar, Passenger
The presence of stray animals on an active runway is classified as a high-risk safety hazard. Even a minor collision during the high-speed phases of take-off or landing can result in catastrophic engine failure or loss of aircraft control.
IAF jurisdiction: As a military-controlled base, Pune Airport is expected to maintain the highest tier of perimeter security.
PMC coordination: Local authorities are now being pressured to address the stray animal population in the surrounding Lohegaon area.
Aviation anxiety: Coming so soon after the Baramati tragedy, the incident has amplified calls for a total audit of runway safety.
An official from the Airports Authority of India acknowledged the gravity of the video on the condition of anonymity. They mentioned, that these incidents are treated with utmost seriousness, and essential collaboration with airport operations, the relevant department of the Pune Municipal Corporation, and security agencies is conducted to guarantee that standard safety protocols are rigorously adhered to.
