Pune airport is set to strengthen its international connectivity with the launch of two new direct flights, offering significant relief to travellers from the city and nearby regions. Starting October 27, IndiGo will operate a daily flight to Dubai and a thrice-weekly service to Bangkok, fulfilling the long-standing demand of Pune’s residents. The decision is seen as a boost for Pune’s travel infrastructure, catering not only to leisure travellers but also business professionals in western Maharashtra, who frequently rely on flights to Dubai, a major financial hub. The announcement was confirmed by the minister of state for civil aviation and Pune airport director, who revealed that IndiGo has secured the rights for both routes.
These new connections will come as a relief to Pune-based passengers, especially after frequent delays and operational issues with SpiceJet’s Dubai service. Many travellers had been forced to fly from Mumbai due to irregularities in SpiceJet’s schedule, leading to significant inconvenience. Currently, Pune offers direct international flights to Dubai (via SpiceJet) and Singapore (via Vistara), but the new additions by IndiGo are expected to elevate the airport’s status as a hub for international travel. From a sustainability perspective, the introduction of more direct flights reduces the need for Pune residents to travel to Mumbai for international connections, thus cutting down on the carbon emissions associated with additional travel by road. Furthermore, enhanced connectivity with key economic centres like Dubai promises to stimulate regional growth, opening doors for new business opportunities. Direct flights to Bangkok will also strengthen Pune’s position as a gateway for Southeast Asian tourism, potentially increasing international tourist inflow.
This development also underscores the civic importance of expanding infrastructure to accommodate Pune’s rapidly growing population and economic stature. The airport’s new flight routes are seen as part of a broader strategy to upgrade Pune’s connectivity, easing the burden on over-saturated airports like Mumbai and positioning Pune as a significant player in India’s aviation sector. These flights mark a crucial step in meeting the increasing demand for efficient, direct international air travel.
