Valentine's Day Helicopter Joyrides in Pune Clouded by IAF Clearance Delays
Romantic plans for Valentine's Day in Pune are facing significant uncertainty as helicopter joyrides, a popular choice for couples, remain in limbo due to pending permissions from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF, which manages the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Pune, has not granted approvals for these short-haul aerial tours for the past month, casting a shadow over confirmed bookings and high demand.
High Demand and Booking Surge Amidst Permission Woes
Aviation companies in Pune report a notable increase in bookings for Valentine's Day, with some confirming 50-60 reservations this year, marking a 25% rise compared to last year. Ishwarchandra Gulgule, head of Kaigu Aviation, highlighted that these short-haul rides, costing between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,500 per person, offer an aerial tour of Pune city. However, he expressed confusion over the lack of permissions, stating that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. Before the restrictions, weekends typically saw 30-40 rides, but operations are now stalled.
Operational Details and Weekend Dependency
In Pune, ATC permits helicopter joyrides only on weekends, with weekdays off-limits due to operational constraints. Currently, three to five single- and twin-engine choppers operate from helipads in Koregaon Park, Bavdhan, Mhalunge, and near the Pune-Solapur highway. For joyrides, only single-engine helicopters are used. With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, companies remain hopeful for last-minute clearances, but the uncertainty persists.
Client Concerns and Refund Policies
Another aviation representative noted that while bookings have been confirmed, flying depends entirely on ATC approval, which may come only on the day of or a day before the event. Companies have informed clients about the potential issues and assured full refunds if permissions are not granted. This has led some couples, like a recently married IT professional pair from Kalyaninagar, to reconsider their plans, citing the uncertainty as a deterrent.
Growing Aviation Activity in Pune
Background conversations with aviation companies and pilots reveal a significant increase in helicopter and private fixed-wing aircraft flights from Pune. Operations have surged from an average of 30-40 hours per month a few years ago to over 100 hours monthly now, indicating rising popularity and demand for aerial services in the region.
Note: A detailed query sent to the IAF via email remained unanswered at the time of reporting, leaving the reasons for the permission delays unclear. As Valentine's Day approaches, couples and companies alike await decisive action from authorities to salvage these romantic aerial adventures.
