Airport authority increases seating capacity at airport

Airport authority increases seating capacity at airport

Pune: The seating capacity at Pune airport has been increased by redeveloping the 475 sq mt security hold 2 area, as there were several complaints against the inadequate number of chairs for passengers.

Ajay Kumar, Director, Pune Airport, said, “The new seating area of 475 sq mt in security hold 2 has been added after shifting of airline and Airport Authority of India (AAI) offices from the terminal building. This has also increased the capacity of the security hold area.”

There was a level difference of 1.2 metres, for which a ramp has been constructed, along with stairs. 

Two new toilets, one each for ladies and gents, have been built. This area will have special fans having LED lights and folding blades.

The airport touched a record handling of eight million passengers in the current financial year on March 22. Last fiscal, the airport handled around 68 lakh fliers. In 2015-16, the number of passengers using the airport was around 54 lakh.
A total of seven new flights started operations from the facility for the summer schedule, starting from March 25. 

Earlier this month, officials had said two new flights to Kolkata and one each to Patna and Delhi would start from April.

“We have already started operating new flights to other cities. We have touched the 8 million passenger mark. Increasing the seating capacity was the need of the hour. Our focus will be to provide more facilities to fliers. We are working on it,” said Ajay Kumar.

In February, the authority had provided 600 new chairs at the security hold and check-in areas. With this, the total seating capacity has increased to 2,100 inside the terminal building. The airport has a daily footfall of 16,430, while there are only 600 chairs for fliers. 

Often, passengers have to stand while waiting for their flights. With the ongoing expansion of the terminal building, the daily footfall will increase further.

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