Traffic jams in Pune are causing passengers to miss their flights, raising concerns about airport access and timely commutes
Pune airport is one of the busiest in India, and with more people flying, the situation is only getting worse. Experts say the Airports Authority of India should work with local officials to improve transport options to the airport. It’s a no-brainer, right?
One traveler, Dev, shared his frustrating experience. He and his friend were late getting to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Even though they arrived an hour before take-off, they were told the check-in counter was closed. Dev was understandably upset and vowed never to fly with that airline again.
Indigo Airlines responded to his complaint on social media, asking for his booking details to help him out. But many others are in the same boat, stuck in traffic and missing flights as the number of vehicles on the road keeps rising.
Another passenger, Vipul, recounted how he missed a family function because he got caught in traffic on his way to the airport. He left home with plenty of time but still ended up late.
Kushal, who lives in Vadgaon Budruk, also faced a similar issue. His relative missed a flight back to Kolkata because their cab got stuck in traffic. It’s becoming a common story for many travelers in Pune.
Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar pointed out that the roads leading to the airport are narrow and congested. The lack of good public transport options makes it even harder for passengers. Some people take longer to get to the airport than their actual flight time, especially during rush hours.
Vandekar has been pushing for better transport infrastructure for years. He believes that extending metro connectivity to the airport could really help ease the situation. It’s high time something is done to make traveling to and from Pune airport smoother for everyone.