IAF Jet Crash Shuts Pune Airport Disrupts Flights

MUMBAI: (Web Desk) – A large-scale emergency operation was launched in Maharashtra after a fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed near the outskirts of Pune on Saturday morning.

According to initial reports, the aircraft went down in an open area shortly after takeoff. While officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause, early indications suggest that both pilots successfully ejected before the crash, avoiding casualties.

Emergency responders and technical teams from the Air Force quickly arrived at the site to secure the wreckage and prevent further hazards, including possible fires.

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The incident forced the temporary shutdown of the runway at Pune Airport, a facility used for both military and civilian operations. Authorities described the closure as a precautionary step to ensure the runway is clear of debris and safe for use.

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The shutdown has disrupted flight schedules, with several domestic routes including those to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru either cancelled or redirected. Hundreds of passengers have been left waiting at the airport as airlines work to manage the situation.

Officials from the Airports Authority of India confirmed that a detailed safety inspection is underway before normal operations can resume.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has ordered a formal investigation to determine whether the crash resulted from a technical fault or a bird strike, which is a known risk in the region.

Passengers have been advised to check flight updates before heading to the airport as recovery and investigation efforts continue.