Major Disruption at Pune Airport Overnight
Heavy rainfall disrupt Pune Airport operations overnight between September 14 and 15, 2025, leading to at least 14 flights being diverted to alternate airports due to severe weather conditions and poor visibility.
Flights were suspended between 12:00 AM and 8:00 AM, after intense thunderstorms and rain made operations unsafe. Airport authorities say operations have largely resumed as of Monday morning.
Background: Weather and Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Pune, warning residents of continued heavy rainfall and reduced visibility during the early hours of Monday.
The rain was accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and high intensity showers across parts of Maharashtra, exacerbating already active monsoon patterns.
Details: Flights Diverted, One Return, and Passenger Support
Of the 14 diverted flights, three later managed to return to Pune once conditions improved. Airlines including IndiGo and Air India Express were among those affected.
Flight diversion destinations included Hyderabad, Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Goa depending on airline schedules and alternate routing possibilities.
Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said that all relevant stakeholders—the Airports Authority of India (AAI), CISF, airlines—were mobilized. Arrangements for passenger comfort were made, including extra seating, food, drinks (tea, coffee), drinking water.
Expert Commentary and Operational Challenges
Weather experts point out that monsoon systems over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions, combined with local cyclonic circulations, have intensified rainfall in Pune and surrounding districts. The heavy downpour comes even as many parts of Maharashtra record above-average precipitation.
A senior IMD official noted that visibility is a critical bottleneck at airports during heavy rainstorms, affecting safe approach and landing operations. Additionally, maintaining runway drainage and ground handling becomes more difficult under prolonged rainfall. (Experts generally agree on these risks in press briefings.)
Impacts: Passengers, Schedule, and What It Means
For travelers, the disruption meant delayed or canceled flights, unplanned nights at airports or alternate cities, and confusion over communication from airlines. Several passengers reported being stranded inside aircraft or terminals with limited assistance.
Flights returning to Pune after diversion helped reduce loss of connectivity, though some passengers’ onward travel was affected. Air traffic resumed gradually as conditions improved.
For airlines and airport management, the incident underscores challenges in scheduling flexibility, contingency planning, and real‐time communication during weather emergencies. Authorities are likely to review protocols around flight diversions, safety thresholds, and passenger support systems.
What to Expect Going Forward
- IMD forecasts that rainfall will continue in the near term across Pune and wider Maharashtra, with warnings for very heavy spells.
- Travelers are advised to check flight status well ahead of travel, stay in contact with airlines, and anticipate possible delays or cancellations.
- Airport authorities may declare alerts, extend operational restrictions or request support (e.g. from Indian Air Force for special block times) if conditions worsen.
FAQs
Because of heavy rainfall disrupt Pune Airport operations, poor visibility and unsafe conditions led air traffic control to divert flights to alternate airports.
The diverted flights included domestic and international ones (e.g. Bengaluru-Pune, Chennai-Pune, Bangkok-Pune). Some later returned to Pune when weather improved.
Yes. As of Monday morning, flight operations at Pune Airport have largely resumed after weather intensity decreased. Normalization was aided by stakeholder cooperation and support from the Indian Air Force.
Sources: hindustan times
