Table of Contents

  1. Why CIQ Procedures Matter at PNQ
  2. Operating Hours & Officer Availability
  3. CIQ Documentation Checklist
  4. Booking Protocols & Lead Time
  5. Holiday Disruptions & Planning Tips
  6. What Happens Without CIQ?
  7. Alternate Airports for Late Arrivals
  8. Case Study: Avoiding Diversion with ATTS Coordination
  9. Final Checklist for Operators
  10. 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

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