Pune International Airport (Lohegaon), a facility shared between civil aviation and the Indian Air Force (IAF), faced significant disruptions due to an incident involving an IAF fighter aircraft late Friday night. The airport’s runway was forced to close temporarily following the incident, which occurred around 10:25 PM on April 17, when the aircraft reportedly experienced undercarriage failure during landing. This technical malfunction resulted in a hard landing, causing the aircraft to become entirely immobilized on the runway.
Initial reports indicated a minor fire associated with the incident, but it was promptly extinguished. Fortunately, the IAF confirmed that both the aircrew and civilian property remained unharmed. Immediate efforts were initiated to remove the aircraft, clear the runway, and ensure safety for all incoming and outgoing flights.
After about 4 to 9 hours of disruption, depending on sources, thorough inspections enabled the runway to be declared operational by early Saturday morning. The IAF announced that all necessary safety checks had been completed, allowing flight operations to resume in a phased manner.
The incident adversely affected numerous commercial flights, leading to diversions to nearby airports such as Mumbai and prompting delays and cancellations. Passengers were urged to consult with their airlines for up-to-date information regarding their travel plans.
In a statement released on social media, the IAF confirmed the resumption of operations at Pune Airport and emphasized the completion of necessary safety inspections. While the aircraft type involved has not been officially disclosed, it is widely believed to have been a Su-30MKI fighter jet returning from a regular night training mission.
Authorities had taken precautions to prevent new passengers from entering the terminal during the runway closure. This incident underscores the unique challenges posed by dual-use airports, where military and civilian aviation intersect. Despite the disruptions, there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew members.
The IAF’s prompt and transparent communication was noted positively, aiding in the swift restoration of normalcy and minimizing public speculation. An investigation into the technical failure of the landing gear is anticipated in line with standard procedures for such incidents. Further updates on the aircraft’s condition and its impact on operations are expected in the coming days.
