Pune Airport, operating from the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Lohegaon Air Force Station, resumed normal civilian flight operations on Monday, May 13, 2024, hours after a temporary runway closure. The closure was necessitated by an incident involving an IAF fighter jet that experienced a "hard landing" during a routine training sortie, prompting immediate safety protocols and recovery efforts.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 AM local time, leading to the prompt closure of the runway. Aviation authorities, including the IAF and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), initiated rapid assessment and clearance procedures. The runway was subsequently declared operational at around 2:30 PM, allowing scheduled civilian flights to resume.

The temporary closure significantly impacted air travel to and from Pune, with multiple incoming and outgoing flights either delayed, diverted, or cancelled during the four-hour period. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight statuses. While specific numbers were not immediately released, the midday disruption affected a considerable number of travelers utilizing one of Maharashtra's key aviation hubs.

Details regarding the specific type of fighter jet involved were not officially disclosed, nor were the exact circumstances leading to the hard landing. A "hard landing" typically refers to an aircraft landing with a greater vertical speed and force than considered normal, which can potentially stress the airframe or landing gear. Following the incident, IAF personnel promptly moved the aircraft from the runway to ensure safety and facilitate the resumption of operations.

Pune Airport serves as a dual-use facility, managing both military and civilian air traffic. The IAF maintains strict operational control over the airfield, with civilian flights scheduled around military movements and training exercises. This arrangement means that military incidents, even minor ones, can directly impact civilian aviation schedules.

The IAF has confirmed that an inquiry into the hard landing incident has been initiated. Such investigations are standard procedure for military aviation occurrences to determine the precise cause, evaluate any damage to the aircraft, and assess operational protocols. Civilian flight schedules are expected to normalize as the airport continues its full operations.