Pune Airport Makes Aerobridge Usage Mandatory, Enhancing Passenger Safety

Lohgaon, 9th September 2024: All ten aerobridges at the new terminal of Pune International Airport are now fully utilized by passengers. This has eliminated the inconvenience for air travellers of walking from the parking bay to the terminal, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety. Previously, airlines minimized the use of aerobridges to avoid rental costs, forcing hundreds of passengers to walk between the parking bay and the terminal building daily, increasing the danger of accidents. However, following insistence from the airport administration, using aerobridges has become mandatory for all airlines.

Of the ten aerobridges at Pune Airport, five are connected to the new terminal, while the other five are linked to the old terminal. Despite the availability of aerobridges and ladders, passengers often had to walk from the parking bay to the terminal. The airport’s airside, where planes are parked, is busy with various vehicles, making walking through this area hazardous and increasing the risk of accidents. In the past three months, there have been two accidents involving ground staff in this area. In light of this, the decision to mandate aerobridge use is appropriate, eliminating the need for buses.

Current Status at the Airport:

– Total Aerobridges: 10
– 58 Flights: Departing from the new terminal
– 58 Flights: Landing at the new terminal
– 37 Flights: Departing from the old terminal
– 37 Flights: Landing at the old terminal
– 38,000 passengers: Daily transport, including both terminals

Why is it Dangerous for Passengers to Walk?

The airport’s airside is highly sensitive, with constant activity from the parking bay to the runway. Various vehicles, such as tractors and pushback tugs, operate in this area. Airlines often pressure ground staff to meet tight schedules, leading to rule violations and potentially unsafe driving in restricted areas. The constant movement of vehicles such as baggage tractors, trolleys, pushback tugs, ladders, and fuel bowsers, which are in use 24 hours a day, poses significant risks to walking passengers.