• Source:JND
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Pune Airport News: Authorities at Pune Airport have voiced concerns about a rising number of air travelers snapping pictures or selfies that accidentally catch restricted parts of the airside- areas that include important Indian Air Force (IAF) installations at the Lohgaon airbase. The concern has grown as a result of increased national security measures in response to the recent terror incident in Pahalgam.

Pune airport shares operating area with the IAF's Lohgaon station, resulting in a high-security zone. Airport director Santosh Dhoke acknowledged that monitoring has been increased across agencies, particularly the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to monitor and discourage such activity.

“We have received directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) prohibiting photography at defence-operated airfields like Pune. Airlines are regularly making in-flight and pre-boarding announcements to ensure passengers understand the importance of adhering to this rule,” Dhoke said on Friday.

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Despite numerous warnings, authorities claim many passengers continue to disregard the guidelines, frequently photographing hangars and runways via airplane windows or from the terminal building.

An Indian Air Force official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Photography of restricted areas is a clear violation of airbase security protocols. Passengers are reminded multiple times, both verbally and through signs, but compliance remains inconsistent.”

Airport officials, including ground staff from private airlines, have also been encouraged to remind passengers of the no-photo regulation, especially when planes are stationed on the tarmac.

In a similar incident, the DGCA ordered all airlines on Thursday to keep window shades closed during takeoff and landing at defence-run airports, including Pune. This action is viewed as an additional protection against illegal visual recording of critical infrastructure.