Pune Airport Reopens After IAF Fighter Jet's Hard Landing Disrupts Flights

Pune International Airport, a critical dual-use military and civilian facility, successfully resumed flight operations on Saturday morning, April 18, 2026, following a significant disruption caused by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft incident late on Friday night. The incident, which occurred around 10:25 PM on April 17, involved an IAF fighter jet, identified by defence sources as a Sukhoi-30MKI, experiencing an 'undercarriage failure' during landing, resulting in a 'hard landing'. The aircraft became immobilized on the runway, leading to an immediate and complete closure of the airport's single runway for civilian air traffic. This closure lasted for approximately 11 hours, significantly impacting scheduled flights and stranding numerous passengers. Initial estimates from IAF Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airport authorities had suggested that clearing the runway and restoring operations would take about four to five hours. However, the extensive efforts required for aircraft removal and thorough safety inspections extended the closure beyond this initial timeframe. Despite the severity of the 'hard landing' and reports of a minor fire breaking out, which was swiftly extinguished, all aircrew members were confirmed safe, and there was no damage reported to any civilian property or infrastructure. This assurance was critical in managing public concern following the incident. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, along with Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke and IAF officials, closely monitored the situation, providing updates and ensuring that repair and clearance operations were conducted on a 'war footing' with safety as the paramount priority. The prolonged runway unavailability led to widespread flight disruptions. At least 43 arrivals and 48 departures were cancelled across various airlines, with IndiGo being the most affected, accounting for 31 arrivals and 34 departures. Other airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express also experienced cancellations and delays. Furthermore, several incoming flights destined for Pune were diverted to alternative airports, including Mumbai, Surat, Goa International Airport, Navi Mumbai, Chennai, and Coimbatore, causing considerable inconvenience and uncertainty for travelers. Phased resumption of flight operations commenced on Saturday morning, with departures restarting from 7:30 AM and arrivals from 8:00 AM. Authorities stated that air traffic was expected to gradually return to normal throughout the day as airlines worked to clear the backlog and adjust schedules. The IAF confirmed that the runway was fully restored and declared operational after all necessary safety inspections and clearances were completed. This incident highlights the challenges of managing operations at dual-use airports and the swift coordination required between military and civilian aviation authorities to ensure safety and restore normalcy following unforeseen events. The swift response from airport authorities, the IAF, and civil aviation officials in conducting emergency repairs and clearing the runway minimized the overall impact of the incident. Passengers were advised to check their flight status with respective airlines before heading to the airport. The event served as a testament to the robust emergency response protocols in place at Indian airports, ensuring that such disruptions are handled efficiently and effectively.

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