Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke on Thursday voiced concerns over passengers taking photographs and videos in the restricted airside area despite preventive measures, as well as the dumping of garbage in the facility's vicinity.
Garbage Situation and Safety Risks
Dhoke noted that the garbage situation near the airport had improved significantly but not completely resolved. He stated, "Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has done commendable work through daily garbage collection and consistent planning, but some people still dump waste in undesignated areas. This poses safety risks."
The presence of garbage attracts stray dogs toward the airport, even onto the runway. An Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar to Pune had to abort landing on June 28 last year because of a dog on the runway. A stray dog died after coming under the wheels of a taxiing SpiceJet flight to Ahmedabad on February 13 this year.
Trash near airports also triggers bird hits. A bird strike was detected after an Air India aircraft from Delhi landed in Pune on June 21 last year. A Delhi-Pune IndiGo flight was diverted to Surat on June 5, 2025, due to heavy bird activity near the runway.
Photography and Videography Concerns
Airport director Dhoke was visibly upset over rampant photography and videography at the airport. He said, "There is no provision under which we can take action in the form of penalties against such flyers. While we intend to enhance these measures, passengers must understand the sensitivity of the issue and follow the rules."
The airport authorities have taken several steps, including announcements inside the terminal and on aircraft, and signages, to restrict passengers from taking photographs in the facility.
Recent Incident Highlighting the Issue
The issue came to the fore last week following the runway shutdown after a hard landing of a fighter aircraft. Shortly after the incident, social media platforms were flooded with images and videos captured from the airport's airside.
The Pune airport is a strategic base for the Indian Air Force (IAF), housing squadrons of Sukhoi fighter jets. Photography or videography in such a zone is strictly prohibited for national security reasons.
Dhoke noted that many passengers take photos or record videos during take-offs or landings. "Cabin crew have multiple responsibilities and monitoring each passenger is not feasible. Ultimately, awareness and responsibility must come from passengers," he said.
Expert Opinion on Enforcement
Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said advisory measures alone are not enough at dual-use defence airports. "Authorities should be empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for airside photography. In serious cases involving deliberate capture of military assets, stricter legal action is necessary," he said.
Other Developments
Airport director Dhoke stated there was no confirmed plan at present related to runway recarpeting. Sources in the Indian Air Force indicated that it could be undertaken during NOTAM periods after monsoon, without affecting commercial operations.
Dhoke highlighted the road-widening work between Yerawada and the airport, being executed by the PMC. "Once completed, it will significantly ease traffic congestion," he said.
