Repeat Ride Refusals by Cab Drivers at Pune Airport to Attract Entry Ban, Say AeroMall Officials

Viman Nagar, 18th July 2025: After months of mounting complaints from air passengers over cab drivers repeatedly refusing rides at the Pune Airport, authorities at AeroMall, which handles airport pick-ups, have initiated strict action to curb the issue.

Officials announced that cab drivers with a pattern of multiple ride refusals will be temporarily barred from entering the designated AeroMall pickup zone. The move comes as fliers increasingly report being stranded after landing, with many drivers allegedly turning down rides based on destination preferences or demand for long-distance fares only.

Pattern of Refusals Prompts Crackdown
Y.S. Rajput, Vice-President of AeroMall, explained the rationale behind the step. “We’ve received a significant number of complaints from passengers who say cab drivers present at the pickup point are refusing to accept rides,” he said. “Often, these drivers are waiting in the vicinity but decline trips that don’t suit their personal preferences—like short-distance rides or those not heading in a desired direction.”

Rajput added that AeroMall is working with cab aggregators to compile a list of repeat offenders, who will first be issued warnings. “If the behavior continues, their access to AeroMall’s pickup zone will be suspended for several days or even weeks,” he said.

He also emphasized the use of geotagging technology to track cab drivers’ location data and verify when refusals occur. “We can’t allow this kind of indiscipline at such a crucial transit hub. It affects the overall passenger experience and must be addressed.”

Impact and Flyer Assistance
The official further noted that this initiative aims to encourage drivers to follow proper protocol, adding, “We believe this will prompt drivers to act responsibly, as their earnings and access will be directly impacted.”

To assist passengers facing similar problems, a dedicated helpline number is also in the pipeline. “The number will be clearly displayed at multiple locations within the premises so that passengers can quickly reach out in case of issues,” Rajput said.

Over 1 Crore Passengers Handled in First Year of New Terminal
Meanwhile, Pune Airport’s new terminal building has crossed a major milestone, handling over 1 crore passengers in its first year of operations. According to officials, from July 2024 to May 2025, the terminal saw 97.56 lakh travellers pass through its gates.

“June’s data is still being finalized,” an airport spokesperson said on Thursday, “but we are confident the final count for the first year will cross the 1 crore mark.” The state-of-the-art terminal, inaugurated on July 14, 2024, includes expanded infrastructure and upgraded passenger amenities.