Pune Airport Introduces Green Channel for International Passengers, Cuts Exit Time by 50 Minutes

Viman Nagar, 3rd January 2026: International passengers arriving at Pune airport can now exit the terminal without routine customs checks following the introduction of a Green Channel by the Customs Department. The new facility is expected to reduce exit time by nearly 40 to 50 minutes.

Under the revised system, customs officials will screen only those passengers who are suspected or against whom specific intelligence inputs are available. Earlier, due to space constraints and limited international operations—currently restricted to three international flights—all arriving passengers were required to pass through the Red Channel, resulting in mandatory screening of both passengers and their baggage.

The Green Channel is intended for travellers who are not carrying dutiable goods and are in possession of only personal belongings, permissible gifts or duty-free items within the prescribed limits. By opting for the Green Channel, passengers self-declare that they are not carrying items liable for customs duty. Physical checks will be carried out only in cases where suspicion arises.

Customs officials clarified that passengers should use the Green Channel only if they are not carrying excess gold or jewellery, foreign currency beyond permitted limits, commercial goods, or quantities of liquor and cigarettes exceeding the allowed limits.

“We have introduced the Green Channel at Pune airport to enhance passenger convenience. Routine checks will no longer be conducted, and only passengers flagged through intelligence inputs or found suspicious will be examined,” said Rahul Galande, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Pune.