Pune New Airport Terminal: From Walking To Old Terminal For Baggage To Transportation Woes, Travellers Are Not At All Happy

Pune’s brand new airport terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, is causing frustration for arriving passengers due to a lack of readily available taxis and auto-rickshaws. While designed to accommodate the city’s growing air traffic, the new terminal forces flyers on a lengthy trek to the nearby Aero Mall just to catch a ride.

Pune’s New Airport Terminal Woes

Just landed at newly opened #Puneairport T2. Then walked for 300-400 mtrs to #T1 to collect baggage and exited from T1. Is this a new #scam?
.#Pune #airports #AAI @AAI_Official @mohol_murlidhar @ThePuneMirror @aparanjape pic.twitter.com/yKVyjG7zwf

— Nikhil (@NikhilNNNNN) July 20, 2024

Nikhil M., a passenger, recounted online that he landed at the new terminal. He had to walk a seemingly endless distance to the old terminal to collect his luggage and then all the way back out to the Aero Mall to catch a cab. He questioned online whether this was some kind of new scam.

Ravi Senthil Kumar, another passenger who had arrived recently, shared his frustration. He stated that he had been stranded at the airport the previous day and complained that travel costs were now unreasonably expensive and questioned whether the civil aviation ministry had even considered improving services. He pointed out the absurdity of having an aerobridge that connects passengers directly to the aircraft. It only forces them onto buses that travel hundreds of metres just to catch a cab outside the new terminal.

Also Read: Knee-Deep Water Triggers Chaos On Mumbai-Pune Expressway; Waterlogging Creates Traffic Disruptions

Taxis And Auto-Rickshaws Banned

🚨 Finally Pune gets it’s own Airport 🥳#PuneAirport #Pune 📸 – AAI pic.twitter.com/8h7CgMLP0z

— Index Of India – Tech & Infra (@MagnifyIndia1) January 13, 2024

The crux of the issue lies in the airport authorities’ decision to ban taxis and auto-rickshaws from entering the new terminal building to pick up or drop off passengers. Personal cars are permitted, but those relying on public transport face a hefty fine of ₹500 for violators. This policy has angered many flyers, particularly those who depend on affordable options like autos and cabs.

To ease congestion at the new terminal, Pune Airport Director Santhosh Dhoke has banned private cabs and auto-rickshaws from entering the building. While acknowledging potential inconvenience, Dhoke explained alternative arrangements. Passengers will be transported to the Aero Mall by two electric buses and several golf carts for onward transportation options.

Also Read: Punekars Take To Social Media With #RunPuneMetroTill11pm Campaign For Extended Metro Hours

However, passengers remain unconvinced. The additional journey adds time and frustration to their travel experience, especially for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues. Pune Airport’s new terminal raises a critical question: Did they prioritize passenger convenience or stricter internal traffic control? Only time will tell if the authorities will reconsider their policy and allow for a more passenger-friendly solution.

Cover Image Courtesy: @MagnifyIndia1,@NikhilNNNNN/X (Formerly, Twitter)