Airport director expresses concern over trash dumping, photography on airside

Pune: Airport director Santosh Dhoke on Thursday expressed concerns over passengers taking photographs and videos in the restricted airside area despite preventive measures, and dumping of garbage in the facility's vicinity.Dhoke said the garbage situation near the airport had improved significantly, but not completely resolved. "Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has done commendable work through daily garbage collection and consistent planning, but some people still dump waste in undesignated areas. This poses safety risks," he said.The presence of garbage attracts stray dogs towards the airport, even on the runway. An Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar to Pune had to abort landing on June 28 last year because of a dog on the runway. A stray dog died after coming under the wheels of a taxiing SpiceJet flight to Ahmedabad on Feb 13 this year.Trash near airports triggers bird hits, too. A bird strike was detected after an Air India's aircraft from Delhi landed in Pune on June 21 last year. A Delhi-Pune IndiGo flight was diverted to Surat on June 5, 2025, because of heavy bird activity near the runway.Airport director Dhoke was visibly upset over rampant photography and videography at the airport. "There is no provision under which we can take action in the form of penalties against such flyers. While we intend to enhance these measures, passengers must understand the sensitivity of the issue and follow the rules," he said.The airport authorities have taken several steps, including announcements inside the terminal and on aircraft, and signages, to restrict passengers from taking photographs in the facility. The issue propped up last week following the runway shutdown after hard landing of a fighter aircraft. Shortly after the incident, social media platforms were flooded with images and videos captured from the airport's airside.The Pune airport is a strategic base for the Indian Air Force (IAF), housing squadrons of Sukhoi fighter jets. Photography or videography in such a zone is strictly prohibited because of national security reasons.Dhoke said many passengers took photos or recorded videos during take-offs or landings. "Cabin crew have multiple responsibilities and monitoring each passenger is not feasible. Ultimately, awareness and responsibility must come from passengers," he said.Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said advisory measures alone were not enough, at dual-use defence airports. "Authorities should be empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for airside photography. In serious cases involving deliberate capture of military assets, stricter legal action is necessary," he said.Airport director Dhoke said there was no confirmed plan at present related to runway recarpeting. Sources in the Indian Air Force (IAF) indicated that it could be undertaken during NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) periods after monsoon, without affecting commercial operations.Dhoke highlighted the road-widening work between Yerawada and the airport, being executed by the PMC. "Once completed, it will significantly ease traffic congestion," he said.
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