Air passenger traffic in Pune up by 3%

Pune: The ongoing economic slowdown seems to have barely affected the flow of air passenger traffic from the city. In fact, in 2008-09, the air passenger flow has increased by three per cent as compared to 2007-08.
"We have sustained the air traffic growth," said Pune airport director G Chandramouli, while speaking to TOI on Wednesday. He pointed out that the progress was better than some other airports in the country.
However, there are no signs of new flight services commencing from here, despite the Airport Authority of India's (AAI) readiness to accept additional flights "subject to clearance by the Indian Air Force (IAF)", said Chandramouli. The city's Lohegaon airport is part of the IAF's strategically vital Lohegaon air base.
"So far, no airline has approached us for starting flight services to any new destination," Chandramouli said. As of now, the Pune airport handles 37 flights, which means 74 aircraft movements (landings and take-offs) on a daily basis. This includes two flights to international destinations Dubai and Frankfurt.
According to Chandramouli, the Pune airport handled 17.9 lakh passengers in the period between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009. "This represents a three per cent growth over the 17.26 lakh passengers handled in 2007-08," he said.
On a daily basis, the number of air passengers handled by the city airport works out to a little over 4,900. The number of aircraft movement throughout 2008-09 was 21,350 as compared to the 19,208 movement recorded in 2007-08.
30/04/09 Vishwas Kothari/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Apr 2009