Aircraft that suffered tug-tractor accident still parked at Pune airport, delaying operations of ‘7/8 flight a day’

Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Minister of State Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that the issue of the damaged aircraft lying in the parking bay was raised with him and he has initiated the process so that it could be shifted out of the parking bay and the area could be used by other airlines. He said the damaged aircraft was affecting the operation of seven to eight flights per day.

“We need to shift it to the defence land for which we need permission from Ministry of Defence. I have handed over a letter to acquire permission to shift out the aircraft on defence land to (Minister of Defence) Rajnath Singhji. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already given a clearance for shifting and repair. The technical team has reached Pune and the spare parts required for the work are on the way,” said Mohol.

Director of Pune Airport Santosh Dhoke told The Indian Express that the aircraft involved in the accident with the pushback tug remains parked at the airport. “It’s causing some inconvenience,” he said.

On May 17, the Delhi-bound Air India flight with 180 passengers aboard had collided with a pushback tug vehicle at the Pune airport. While there was no injury to any passenger, the aircraft suffered damage near the belly.

Mohol reviewed the progress of various projects linked to Pune Airport in a meeting with AAI officials and Pune Divisional Commissioner. He has promised to expedite the work for expansion of runway and operationalisation of the airport’s new terminal.