Pune Airport Latest News: Flight Operations Suspended After IAF Aircraft Incident, Runway to Reopen in 5 Hours

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Viman Nagar, 17th April 2026: Flight operations at Pune Airport were temporarily suspended on Friday night after an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, with authorities indicating that it may take around five hours to restore normal runway operations.

According to initial information, a fighter jet reportedly hard-landed on the runway, making it unavailable for civilian air traffic. The disruption led to immediate suspension of arrivals and departures, with several incoming flights diverted to Surat and Goa’s Mopa airport as a precaution.

Confirming the development, the Indian Air Force said the runway is “temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an IAF aircraft.” It added that the aircrew involved are safe and there has been no damage to civil property.

Providing the latest update, Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said airlines have been informed about the disruption and efforts are underway to restore normal operations at the earliest. “It may take approximately five hours to resume normal runway operations. I am in constant touch with the Airport Director and Air Force officials,” he said in a statement.

Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said, ” At about 2225 hrs (Friday), a fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure during landing, resulting in blockage of the runway. As per IAF ATC, it will take 4–5 hours to clear the runway and restore normal operations.”

Authorities are working to clear the runway and resume flight services. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.

Further details regarding the cause of the incident are awaited.

Flight Operations Halted at Pune Airport After Fighter Jet Incident, Aircrew Safe