Pune Airport Latest Update: Flights Resume After IAF Fighter Jet Incident; 80+ Flights Cancelled Overnight
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Viman Nagar, 18th April 2026: Flight operations at Pune Airport were disrupted late Friday night after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft developed a technical snag during landing, leading to temporary closure of the runway and widespread cancellations.
According to Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke, the incident occurred at around 10:25 pm on April 17 (Friday) when the fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure while landing. The aircraft remained on the runway, causing a blockage and rendering it unavailable for flight operations.
“The aircrew are safe, and there is no damage to civil property”, IAF stated in a tweet.
Airport authorities, along with the IAF, initiated immediate repair and clearance work on priority while ensuring all safety protocols were followed. The runway was subsequently restored for use after necessary checks.
As per official information, departure operations resumed from 7:30 am on Saturday (April 18), while arrivals recommenced from 8:00 am. Airport officials said flight operations are gradually normalising through the day.
The disruption led to multiple flight cancellations across airlines. IndiGo reported the highest number, cancelling 31 arrivals and 34 departures. Air India cancelled three arrivals and three departures, while SpiceJet cancelled two arrivals and three departures. Akasa Air reported cancellation of two arrivals and three departures, and Air India Express cancelled five arrivals and five departures.
The runway at Pune Airport was temporarily unavailable following an incident involving an IAF aircraft.
Runway repair work has since been completed on a war footing, with safety maintained as the top priority throughout.
Departure operations will resume from 07:30 AM, and…
— Murlidhar Mohol (@mohol_murlidhar) April 18, 2026
Passengers faced inconvenience due to the sudden disruption, with several flights either cancelled or delayed. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
