Runway drama in Pune: IAF aircraft makes hard landing, flights disrupted for hours

A late-night aviation incident brought operations to a sudden halt at Pune International Airport, after an Indian Air Force aircraft encountered a technical snag during landing , forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the runway .

The incident occurred around 10:25 PM on Friday , when a fighter aircraft reportedly suffered an undercarriage failure while touching down, leading to what officials described as a “hard landing.” The aircraft came to a stop on the runway, blocking it entirely and disrupting both defence and civilian flight movements.

Despite the intensity of the situation, there was a sense of relief in official statements. The Air Force confirmed that the aircrew were safe and no damage was caused to civilian property . This quick reassurance helped contain immediate concerns, even as operational challenges unfolded on the ground.

The airport, which functions under a dual-use model , handles both commercial airline traffic and active Air Force operations. This unique arrangement meant that a single incident had a cascading impact , halting multiple scheduled flights and leaving passengers in uncertainty through the night.

Authorities estimated that it would take approximately four to five hours to clear the runway and restore normal operations. Emergency response teams and technical crews were pressed into action to remove the aircraft and inspect the runway for safety before reopening it.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol closely monitored the situation, stating that he was in constant coordination with airport and Air Force officials to ensure a swift resolution. Airlines were promptly informed, and contingency measures were initiated to manage disruptions.

While such incidents are rare, they highlight the complexities of operating shared military-civilian airspaces and the importance of rapid response systems. By early morning, efforts were underway to restore normal flight operations , with services expected to gradually resume.