Prime Highlight
- Pune airport has reopened a dedicated green channel for international passengers with nothing to declare, aiming to reduce long queues and improve customs clearance.
- The facility enhances passenger experience, particularly for frequent flyers, while supporting smoother airport operations and faster aircraft turnaround.
Key Facts
- The green channel allows low-risk travelers to exit customs without baggage checks, though risk-based profiling may still prompt inspections.
- The move comes as Pune sees growing international passenger traffic, especially from West Asia and Southeast Asia, serving IT professionals, students, and business travelers.
Background
Pune airport has reintroduced a dedicated green channel for international arrivals, aiming to reduce long queues and improve customs clearance for passengers who have nothing to declare. The new facility is located inside the international arrivals area and marks an important change in airport operations.
Low-risk travelers can use the green channel to leave customs without having their bags checked. Although this system is common at major international airports, Pune has not offered it at its current terminal since shifting from the old building. Officials said space and operational limits earlier prevented its rollout, but recent changes in the arrivals layout have made it possible.
Customs authorities will continue to rely on risk-based profiling. Most green channel users pass through without checks, but officers still inspect some passengers based on information and travel patterns. This approach helps customs teams focus on high-risk cases while improving the experience for regular travellers.
The timing of the move is important. Pune has seen strong growth in international passenger traffic over the past year, driven by links to West Asia and Southeast Asia. These routes serve IT professionals, business executives, students, and migrant workers, many of whom travel often. Delays at customs, especially during peak hours, have remained a major complaint.
Airport officials expect airlines to gain from faster passenger clearance. When travellers move out quickly, aircraft spend less time on the ground, easing pressure on parking bays and helping improve on-time performance.
Frequent flyers say the green channel will fix a long-standing problem of long waits despite carrying no dutiable items. A smoother exit process also improves Pune’s image as a business-friendly city.
Urban planners say a better airport experience helps the economy, tourism, and investor confidence. The green channel may be a small step, but it shows Pune is moving toward smarter, passenger-friendly airport management.
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