Pune Airport Poised for Fast-Track Immigration Implementation
International travelers departing from or arriving at Pune airport could soon experience significantly reduced waiting times at immigration counters. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has revealed that plans are actively underway to introduce the Fast-Track Immigration facility at Pune's international terminal.
Government Discussions and Program Background
Minister Mohol stated, "Since immigration falls under the home ministry's domain, discussions have been initiated with them to bring a faster immigration process for Pune." This announcement comes as part of the broader expansion of the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), which was first launched at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in June 2024.
The program was subsequently extended to seven additional airports just two months later, including Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. In September 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah further expanded the system to five more airports: Kozhikode, Tiruchirappalli, Amritsar, Lucknow, and Thiruvananthapuram, bringing the total number of airports with FTI-TTP to thirteen nationwide.
How the Fast-Track System Works
The FTI-TTP program utilizes automated e-gates to expedite immigration clearance for pre-verified passengers. Eligible travelers include Indian nationals and foreign nationals holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. During the launch of five new airports last year, Home Minister Shah emphasized the system's efficiency, noting that "travellers will no longer experience long queues or manual checking and will receive immigration clearance in just 30 seconds without delays."
An airport official explained the streamlined process: "The FTI-TTP system is very swift, with minimal waiting time. Passengers place their boarding pass first, then their passport at e-gate 1, followed by biometric verification at e-gate 2, completing the immigration process efficiently."
Pune's Growing International Traffic
The potential implementation comes at a crucial time for Pune airport, which has witnessed substantial growth in international passenger traffic. Currently operating four flights to destinations including Bangkok and Dubai, the airport serves approximately 30,000 international passengers monthly.
Last year marked a particularly significant surge, with over 3.38 lakh international passengers compared to about 2.05 lakh the previous year, representing a remarkable 65 percent increase. This growth underscores the increasing need for enhanced immigration infrastructure.
Passenger Perspectives and Operational Challenges
Frequent international travelers have welcomed the prospect of faster immigration processing. Vinay Sawant, a Bhosari-based industrialist who travels abroad regularly, expressed frustration with current conditions: "There have been times when only one or two immigration counters were open, causing significant delays. Having experienced how efficiently this system works at airports in other countries, I believe Pune urgently needs this implementation."
Sawant added, "After long-haul flights, passengers naturally want to reach home quickly. Limited immigration counter availability adds unnecessary time. Introducing the Fast Track system would substantially reduce waiting periods and improve the overall passenger experience."
An immigration official, speaking anonymously, highlighted operational challenges contributing to current delays: "After an international flight lands, it cannot vacate its parking bay until all passengers have cleared customs checks. This security measure exists due to past smuggling incidents where contraband like gold was hidden inside aircraft. Even cleaning crews must await clearance before beginning work."
With only ten parking bays available, Pune airport has occasionally faced situations where incoming flights couldn't receive landing clearance due to unavailability of bays. The implementation of FTI-TTP could significantly alleviate such congestion issues.
Registration Process and Program Considerations
Travelers can access the Fast Track system through ftittp.mha.gov.in. Registration involves completing an online form and uploading required documents. Biometric data collection occurs either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or during the first airport visit after registration.
It's important to note that travelers who may be required by law enforcement agencies or courts to participate in investigations can be suspended from the program even after enrollment, maintaining security protocols alongside convenience.
The potential introduction of Fast-Track Immigration at Pune airport represents a significant step toward modernizing travel infrastructure and enhancing passenger satisfaction for the city's growing international traveler community.
