Pune Airport Runway Temporarily Closed Following IAF Aircraft Incident, Crew Safe
Synopsis
An incident involving an IAF aircraft has temporarily closed the runway at Pune airport, leaving the crew unharmed and civil property intact. Efforts are underway to resume normal operations promptly.
Key Takeaways
The IAF aircraft incident has temporarily closed Pune airport's runway.
All crew members are reported safe.
No civil property damage occurred.
Airport authorities are working with the IAF for a swift return to normal operations.
Flight operations may be affected as airlines adjust schedules.
New Delhi/Pune, April 18 (NationPress) - The Indian Air Force (IAF) reported on Friday that the runway at Pune airport is currently temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving one of its aircraft. Fortunately, all aircrew members are confirmed safe, and there has been no damage to any civil property.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the IAF indicated that this incident has disrupted runway operations, resulting in a temporary halt to flight movements at the airport.
"The Pune runway is temporarily unavailable due to an incident with an IAF aircraft. Thankfully, the aircrew are safe, and there is no damage to civil property. We are working diligently to operationalize the runway and resume normal operations as soon as possible," the IAF stated.
Details regarding the incident are still being gathered. However, standard safety protocols have been activated to mitigate any risks to personnel or infrastructure.
Airport officials are working closely with the IAF to restore runway operations swiftly.
Flight services are likely to be impacted until normal operations resume, with airlines expected to adjust their schedules in response.
Pune airport, which accommodates both civil and military flights, is a significant aviation hub in Maharashtra. Disruptions at this runway typically affect numerous arrivals and departures during peak hours.
Further updates regarding the incident are anticipated.
In a related occurrence on Thursday, a SpiceJet aircraft collided with a stationary Akasa Air plane at Delhi airport, causing minor damage to both planes, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.
This incident transpired around 2:15 p.m. as the SpiceJet aircraft, arriving from Leh, was taxiing to its designated bay and made contact with the Akasa Air plane, which was preparing to depart for Hyderabad.
Initial assessments revealed that the right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft sustained damage, while the left horizontal stabilizer of the Akasa Air aircraft was also impacted during the collision.
An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that their flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad returned to the bay after the incident.
"Preliminary reports suggest that Akasa's aircraft was stationary when it was contacted by another airline's aircraft," the spokesperson remarked.
The airline stated that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked and alternative arrangements were being made to operate the flight. They also mentioned that relevant authorities have been notified and the situation is under investigation, emphasizing that safety remains their utmost priority.
Point of View
This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and the swift response of airport authorities and the IAF. While the temporary disruption is significant, the safety of personnel remains the priority.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the temporary closure of Pune airport's runway?
The runway was temporarily closed due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force aircraft.
Are the crew members safe?
Yes, all aircrew members involved in the incident are confirmed safe.
Will flight operations resume soon?
Efforts are underway to operationalize the runway, and airlines are likely to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Was there any damage to civil property?
No, there has been no damage to any civil property reported.
What safety measures were taken after the incident?
Standard safety protocols were initiated to ensure there was no risk to personnel or infrastructure.
