Pune Airport is gearing up to launch its new Security Hold Area (SHA), with construction expected to finish by the end of March. Officials say the facility will likely become operational by May, following mandatory inspections and approvals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and other regulators.
Pune Airport is preparing to open its new Security Hold Area (SHA), being developed in the old arrival section of the terminal. Once operational, the facility will significantly expand departure space and ease passenger flow, thanks to the integration of the old and new terminal buildings.
After construction wraps up, the SHA will undergo a mandatory commissioning process. A team from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) will inspect the facility, and any recommended modifications must be implemented before final approval is granted. Officials say this step could take several weeks, pushing the operational date to around May.
A similar delay was seen with the new terminal building, inaugurated in March 2024 but made fully operational only in July after regulatory clearance and required adjustments.
Passenger traffic at Pune Airport continues to grow steadily. In 2025, the airport handled 10,864,639 passengers, up from 10,236,512 in 2024. With numbers expected to rise further this year, the new SHA is viewed as critical for managing congestion efficiently.
The facility will add 4,000 square metres to the terminal and feature 14 check-in counters, three XBIS security screening machines, and two boarding gates. While this expansion will boost passenger handling capacity, aviation experts note that future growth will also require upgrades to runways and parking bays.
Some travelers have expressed frustration over repeated delays, urging stricter adherence to timelines as passenger demand continues to increase.
