Pune Airport Runway Shut After IAF Sukhoi Hard Landing, 64+ Flights Hit
Flight operations at Pune's Lohegaon Airport came to a complete standstill late on Monday night, following a critical incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. The runway was abruptly closed for all landings and take-offs around 11 pm, causing widespread disruption to air travel.
Massive Flight Disruptions and IAF Statement
At least 32 incoming flights from various cities were either diverted to alternate airports or outright cancelled as the situation unfolded. An equal number of departing flights faced similar fates, with many delayed indefinitely. The IAF confirmed the closure in an official statement on social media platform X, noting that the 2,535-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway was temporarily unavailable due to the incident.
The aircrew are safe and there is no damage to civil property, the IAF assured. Efforts are underway to operationalise the runway and resume normal operations at the earliest, the statement added, providing a glimmer of hope for stranded passengers.
Details of the Aircraft Incident and Runway Blockage
Defence sources revealed that the incident involved a Sukhoi 30 MKi fighter aircraft, though the IAF did not officially confirm the aircraft type. Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke provided crucial details, explaining that the fighter jet experienced an undercarriage failure after a hard landing around 10:25 pm.
This malfunction resulted in the aircraft becoming stranded in the middle of the runway, effectively blocking it. Efforts are underway to move it to the taxiway, Dhoke stated, but he warned that according to IAF air traffic control, it would take 4-5 hours to clear the runway as cranes and heavy machinery had been deployed.
Extended Closure and Passenger Chaos
Defence PRO Ankush Chavan echoed this timeline, indicating that the runway would not be available for any civil aircraft movements for the next five to six hours. Regarding potential damage to the runway surface, Dhoke noted that the area was under IAF control, and details on the extent of damage were still pending. Civil flight operations will resume only after clearance is given, he emphasized.
The disruption caused significant inconvenience and confusion among passengers at the airport. Agha Meesam Hyder, scheduled to fly to Bhopal on an IndiGo flight at 1 am, described the situation as chaotic. The airline is telling us to cancel our journey and take a full refund. If not, we are being asked to wait until 1:30 am, he recounted, highlighting the uncertainty faced by travelers.
Official Responses and Ongoing Efforts
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the flight operation disruptions. I am in constant touch with the airport and the Air Force authorities to ensure early resolution, he posted on X, underscoring the high-level attention the incident has garnered.
As efforts continue to clear the runway and restore normalcy, the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation. A formal court of inquiry will be established to determine the factors leading to the hard landing and undercarriage failure, according to senior IAF officials.
