A significant emergency response was launched in Maharashtra after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet crashed on the outskirts of Pune early Saturday morning. The accident resulted in the immediate temporary shutdown of Pune Airport’s sole runway, causing major interruptions to scheduled commercial flights.
Authorities confirmed the aircraft went down in an open field shortly after takeoff. Although the IAF has not yet issued an official statement on the cause, initial reports indicate both pilots successfully ejected before the crash.
Emergency responders and IAF technical teams arrived at the scene within minutes to secure the wreckage and prevent any secondary fires. Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced that the runway, which serves both military and civilian purposes, remains closed to all air traffic.
This closure has disrupted several domestic flights destined for Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, resulting in hundreds of passengers being stranded inside the terminal. An airport official described the shutdown as a “precautionary measure” to conduct a thorough safety inspection and ensure the runway is free of debris.
In a significant development, the IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine whether the crash was caused by a technical failure or a bird strike, a common risk in the area. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport as recovery and investigation efforts continue.
