Table of Contents
- Why CIQ Procedures Matter at PNQ
- Operating Hours & Officer Availability
- CIQ Documentation Checklist
- Booking Protocols & Lead Time
- Holiday Disruptions & Planning Tips
- What Happens Without CIQ?
- Alternate Airports for Late Arrivals
- Case Study: Avoiding Diversion with ATTS Coordination
- Final Checklist for Operators
- FAQs & Resources
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
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
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
Tags: PNQ2025, PrivateJetIndia, CIQClearance, FlightSupportIndia, ATTSaero, ImmigrationIndia
Categories: Private Jet Operations, India Airports