Apron space shortage at Pune delays flights yet again, passengers upset

Pune: Amid complaints of flight delays at the Pune airport, owing to limited parking space in the apron area, authorities have said that work on the new apron area was set to begin.

On Saturday evening, many passengers complained that flights were delayed by 30 minutes to an hour due to the parking bays at the airport being occupied. TOI had written about the issue last month and the authorities had then said that there were plans to expand the apron, which would see the number of parking bays go up from 8 to 13.

"It was chaotic. IndiGo was the most affected as its flights to Jaipur, Bengaluru and Kolkata were delayed. The airline announced that the flights had landed, but boarding had to be delayed because they were not getting space to park," a passenger said. The passenger added he had to travel on flight number 6E 681 from Pune to Bengaluru. "My flight was delayed by 45 minutes. The airline staff had announced that the boarding was set to start and we should assemble at gate number 2. However, we found ourselves standing near the airport's airside apron area for 30 minutes. Many people were taking selfies. We were told the luggage off-loading had not been completed, and that was causing the delay," he said.

Flight number 6E 117 from Pune to Jaipur was also delayed. "We were told it was because of less parking space. It is strange that Pune still doesn't have an airport with all facilities," another passenger said.

Sources said such issues are caused by incoming flights getting delayed. "The problem takes place when incoming flights are delayed. They are given first preference. With the apron size being increased, the problem will be resolved" an official said.