Overview – CIQ Procedures for Private Jets
Navigating Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) is the backbone of a hassle-free private jet mission. Even with FBOs and VIP terminals, success hinges on meticulous preclearance: accurate passenger/crew manifests, GENDEC, aircraft certificates and insurance, landing/overflight permits where required, and visa compliance. A competent handler coordinates stands or FBO bays, books the CIQ team, and aligns ground transport so passengers move from steps to sedan in minutes while crew secure stamps, gen decs, and next-leg briefings.

Expect subtle variations by country. Some airports require advance CIQ slots and security escorts; others permit airside screening and car-to-aircraft transfers. Visa rules can shift between e-visa, visa on arrival, or prior approval; customs thresholds for currency, luxury goods, drones, and professional equipment also differ. Quarantine covers more than health forms—think PETS documentation, catering seals, and biosecurity for plant or animal products. The right preparation prevents common pitfalls: name mismatches, late manifest updates, unlisted minors, incorrect cabin stores, or unclear crew duty status. Done well, CIQ feels invisible: private screening, quick stamps, transport positioned at the FBO exit—minimal dwell time, full compliance, and a clean, fast turn.

Why CIQ Procedures Matter at PNQ

Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) clearance at Pune Airport (PNQ) is not available 24/7 and depends on the officer’s availability. Unlike Mumbai or Delhi, PNQ does not have a 24/7 CIQ, and all international private flights must be pre-coordinated with airport and ground support staff.

Quick Fact: PNQ is a military-controlled civil enclave, making procedural precision essential for timely clearances.

Operating Hours & Officer Availability

  • CIQ Hours: 08:00–20:00 IST (subject to changes)
  • Extension Requests: Not guaranteed. Require early application and authority approval.
  • On-Site Presence: Customs/immigration officers must be scheduled in advance; they do not remain on standby.

ATTS Advisory: Coordinate your arrival within operational hours for guaranteed clearance. Late-night landings often trigger diversion protocols.

CIQ Documentation Checklist – CIQ Procedures for Private Jets

To secure smooth CIQ processing, submit the following at least 48–72 hours before arrival:

  • General Declaration (GenDec)
  • Passenger Manifest
  • Crew Manifest
  • Valid Passports & Visas (if applicable)
  • Crew IDs
  • Flight Itinerary
  • Aircraft Documents (CoA, Insurance)

Pro Tip: Incomplete or late documents are the #1 reason for CIQ denial at PNQ.

📥 Download CIQ Preparation Checklist (PDF)

Booking Protocols & Lead Time

  • Lead Time: Minimum 48–72 hours’ notice to confirm officer deployment.
  • Handler Role: Ground handlers, such as those at ATTS.aero, file and follow up on CIQ requests.
  • Integration with Permit: CIQ booking is often submitted together with DGCA landing permit paperwork.

Efficiency Tip: Combine permit and CIQ requests to avoid misaligned clearances.

Holiday Disruptions & Planning Tips

  • Affected Days: Diwali, Republic Day, Independence Day, Eid.
  • Impact: Officers may be unavailable or assigned to other duties.
  • Recommendation: Avoid scheduling PNQ international arrivals on Indian public holidays.

Checklist Tip: Always consult your handler’s holiday forecast calendar.

What Happens Without CIQ?

  • Flights landing without a pre-approved CIQ face:
    • Ground delays
    • Forced aircraft hold
    • Diversion to alternate airports (usually BOM or BLR)

Risk Alert: CIQ cannot be guaranteed even if the landing permit is granted. They are separate processes.

Alternate Airports for Late Arrivals

If CIQ isn’t available or timing does not match:

  • Mumbai (BOM): 24/7 clearance, closest fallback.
  • Bangalore (BLR): Major CIQ-equipped airport.
  • Nagpur (NAG): Often used for diversion in eastern approach paths.

Operator Strategy: Keep these alternates in your flight plan as backups.

Case Study: Avoiding Diversion with ATTS Coordination

In February 2024, a Gulfstream G550 was scheduled to land at PNQ at 19:30 IST. ATTS pre-arranged CIQ officer presence by integrating requests with the permit application and reconfirming 6 hours prior to arrival.

Result: The aircraft was cleared within 20 minutes. No delays. Crew and VIP passengers disembarked seamlessly despite tight scheduling.

Final Checklist for Operators

✅ Submit landing and overflight permits at least 72 hours prior
✅ Provide full CIQ documentation
✅ Avoid peak holidays and post-8 PM landings
✅ Use a local handler for coordination and real-time updates
✅ Identify alternate airports if delays are likely

📝 Submit Your Permit & CIQ Request

FAQs & Resources – CIQ Procedures for Private Jets

Q: Can I land at PNQ after 8 PM?
A: Only if special clearance is granted. This requires an advanced request, and approvals are not guaranteed.

Q: Who handles CIQ coordination?
A: Your authorized ground handler (e.g., ATTS) will coordinate with customs, immigration, and quarantine departments.

Q: What if an officer doesn’t show up?
A: If CIQ presence isn’t confirmed, your flight may be forced to divert. Always reconfirm on the day of arrival.

Reviewed by: ATTS Flight Operations Team – July 2025

CIQ Procedures for Private Jets
For private jets, CIQ typically runs through a dedicated FBO or VIP terminal: your handler files passenger and crew manifests, GENDEC, and aircraft documents in advance; on arrival you park at a designated stand and are escorted to private immigration where passports and visas are checked; customs screens baggage and processes any declarations; quarantine verifies required health or pet documents; then exit formalities are stamped, crew briefed, and you’re released to ground transport or onward departure with minimal dwell time.

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