On April 18, 2026, Pune Airport experienced significant disruption following a late-night incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. The event, occurring at approximately 10:25 pm on April 17, resulted in a hard landing due to landing gear failure, leading to an 11-hour suspension of flight operations.
The incident caused a minor fire, which was promptly controlled, and fortunately, all crew members were reported safe. However, the runway blockage necessitated a temporary shutdown, prompting authorities to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This led to multiple flight diversions to airports such as Goa, Chennai, Surat, Coimbatore, and Navi Mumbai.
The closure severely affected airline operations, with numerous cancellations reported. By 6:00 am, IndiGo had cancelled 31 arrivals and 34 departures, Air India 3 arrivals and 3 departures, SpiceJet 2 arrivals and 3 departures, Akasa Air 2 arrivals and 3 departures, and Air India Express 5 arrivals and 5 departures. Airlines coordinated rebooking and rerouting to manage the situation.
Passenger experiences varied, with reports of diversions and delays. Social media platforms buzzed with updates, including a notable instance where IndiGo flight 6E671 from Coimbatore to Pune had to return. Airlines issued advisories and worked closely with passengers, while airport authorities managed crowd flow and provided support services.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the runway’s restoration and operational status after thorough safety inspections. Flight operations resumed in phases starting Saturday morning, with departures prioritized. Officials anticipate a gradual return to normalcy as airlines address the backlog from the disruption.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 19, 2026
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