Pune: While the construction of a new security hold area (SHA) at Pune airport is expected to be completed by the end of March, flight operations are expected to take more time owing to approvals from agencies such as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), senior airport officials said.“Construction of the new SHA is in full swing, and we are aiming to finish it by the end of March. After that, the process of commissioning will begin. A BCAS team will examine the new facility and approve it. We expect some more time for this process to be completed, following which the facility will become operational,” Santosh Dhoke, Pune airport director, told TOI.The new SHA, consisting of different facilities for flyers, is being built in the old arrival area of the airport. Both the new and old buildings were already integrated for the process. With this, the airport will have additional departure area, resulting in more space.“It took around 4 months for the new airport building to become operational. The building was inaugurated in March 2024, but became fully operational only by July. A big reason for this was the pending approval from the BCAS, which also recommended some changes. We made those changes. If the BCAS asks the airport authorities to make changes, the same must be followed. However, on average, we expect the new SHA to become operational by May,” another official pointed out.In 2025, the airport recorded a total of 1,08,64,639 passenger movements against 1,02,36,512 movements in 2024. The airport director, during an earlier conversation, had told TOI that this year they were expecting 10 lakh more passengers, and the new SHA was therefore a very important project.“With rise in passengers, the flight movements will surely increase and the new SHA will be useful in balancing the increase in passengers. The SHA will add 4,000 square metres to the new building. It will also have 14 new check-in counters, 3 XBIS machines for security screening and 2 boarding gates,” the official said.Aviation experts had earlier said the focus should be on all-round expansion of the runway and the parking bays. Flyers were, however, not pleased with the delay. “It was said earlier that the building would be ready by Dec and the clearances would come by March. Now, again, the deadline is being extended, just like in the case of the new terminal building. Amid many airlines facing major operational issues, including the recent IndiGo fiasco, it is important that time-bound goals are set and respected for the completion of such projects,” entrepreneur and Kharadi resident Arun Khera said.
