Leopard Spotted Twice Near Pune Airport Runway in Two Days, Raising Aviation Safety Concerns
Viman Nagar, 22nd November 2025: A leopard was sighted near the runway of Pune Airport for the second time in two days, sparking fresh concerns about aircraft and passenger safety. The latest sighting occurred around 1.30 am on Thursday near taxiway number K-4, a stretch running parallel to the runway and connecting to the terminal.
Air Traffic Control personnel first spotted the leopard on both occasions — late Tuesday night and again early Thursday. Ground staff also confirmed the sighting on Thursday. While the animal did not enter the active runway area, its presence close to the taxiway raised an alert, especially since parking bays 8, 9 and 10 — all occupied by aircraft at the time — lie not far from the location.
Earlier Warnings Ignored
Forest Department officials confirmed that they had earlier written to the airport administration, advising immediate repairs to the damaged protective wall on the Lohgaon side of the premises. However, the wall remains unrepaired, and officials believe the leopard has re-entered through the same breach.
“The leopard has been sighted again near the runway of Pune Airport. Cages have been placed in the Lohegaon area to catch it, and camera surveillance is ongoing. The underground drain below the runway has also been closed with nets,” said Mangesh Tate, Assistant Conservator of Forests.
The Forest Department has also blocked the underground drainage pipe near the K-4 area with nets to stop further movement.
Aviation Safety Experts Concerned
Experts have called for urgent, coordinated action to prevent any potential mishap.
“The presence of leopards near the runway is a serious concern for the safety of aircraft and passengers. The Air Force, airport administration and Forest Department must launch a joint operation to trap the leopard,” said Pune-based aviation expert Dhairyasheel Vandekar.
Leopard’s Range Expanding, Say Officials
Forest officials believe that the same leopard sighted inside the airport ten days ago has now returned, indicating an expansion of its roaming territory. Continuous monitoring is underway to assess its movement pattern.
With air traffic at Pune Airport being highest during night hours, officials say the repeated sightings demand immediate corrective measures to safeguard both wildlife and aviation operations.
