In a bid to tighten security and prevent unauthorised photography, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new regulation mandating that all aircraft windows remain closed during take-off and landing at Pune’s Lohegaon Airport.
Lohegaon Airport, a joint-use facility operated by both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and civilian airlines, has seen heightened scrutiny due to its strategic military significance. The move follows a series of incidents where passengers were caught capturing images and videos through aircraft windows—particularly during taxiing and descent—raising concerns about potential security risks.
Under the new directive, airline staff and cabin crew are responsible for ensuring that window shades are down during critical flight phases—specifically until the aircraft reaches a cruising altitude of 10,000 feet, and again during the descent phase. Cabin crews have been instructed to include this rule in pre-flight safety briefings and actively monitor compliance onboard. The guideline allows exceptions only in case of emergencies.
“Passengers need to remember that Pune Airport functions as a defence installation as well. What may seem like a harmless photo could potentially compromise national security,” a senior airport official noted.
Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which oversees airport safety, have previously warned travellers against photography in restricted zones and within the terminal. With the new rule in place, airlines have been advised to notify passengers about the restriction at check-in desks and boarding gates to avoid any confusion.
The directive is also seen as part of a broader initiative under Operation Sindoor, a national security measure designed to safeguard vital infrastructure amid escalating border tensions and ongoing military activities.
Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara—major operators from Pune Airport—have already begun updating their standard operating procedures to reflect the change. Training is underway for flight crews, and new in-flight signage and announcements are being introduced to support smooth implementation.
Passengers are being encouraged to cooperate with these updated safety protocols and to avoid using mobile phone cameras in and around restricted areas. Authorities emphasised that this measure is not merely procedural but is crucial for ensuring both passenger and national safety.
As Pune continues to expand its footprint as a key aviation and business hub, officials have underscored the need for sustained vigilance at Lohegaon. Any breach of the newly established rule may result in penalties and could prompt further regulatory actions.
With the holiday travel season approaching, the DGCA has reaffirmed its commitment to safe, secure, and efficient air travel, urging passengers to follow all safety guidelines in the larger interest of national security.
