Leopard Spotted Again at Pune Airport as Flight Movements Slow

Pune, 8th December 2025: A leopard that has been frequenting Pune Airport since April has resurfaced once again over the weekend, even as reduced flight activity continues on the airside due to the ongoing IndiGo airline crisis.

Senior forest officials confirmed that the big cat was captured twice in the last three days on trap cameras positioned around the airport premises. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Mahadev Mohite said the recent developments have improved the possibility of its capture.

“We reviewed the trap camera footage and noticed that its movement is far more relaxed this time,” Mohite said. “Reduced flight operations have made the airside quieter at night. With less noise, the leopard is not as alert as before — giving us a greater chance to capture it safely.”

The leopard had last been seen in late November after briefly disappearing since August. Authorities currently have 15 trap cameras deployed around the airside and airport perimeter, along with three tunnel trap cages. “We will soon increase the number of cages to five and add more cameras to closely monitor its movement,” Mohite added.

The animal, believed to be a fully grown male, was first spotted at the airport on April 28 — once in the morning and again in the evening. Multiple sightings followed over the next few months. Officials earlier noted that the leopard appeared “very intelligent,” often avoiding the baited cages.

“The airport clearly forms part of its territory,” an official said. “It moves in and out using stormwater drains, patrols the area, hides for some time, and leaves — only to return again.”

With IndiGo operating the highest number of flights from Pune, cancellations and reduced movements over recent days have led to unusually quiet airside surroundings. Forest teams remain stationed at the airport.

“We are hopeful of a breakthrough in the next couple of days,” Mohite said, reaffirming that tranquiliser intervention will be considered if the leopard is found to remain static at the airport.