Pune International Airport has secured an additional 15 civil flight slots, a crucial enhancement facilitated by the proactive cooperation of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This expansion, which sees the daily aircraft movements rise from 220 to 235, is a direct response to Pune’s escalating demand for air travel, driven by its rapid growth as a major economic and IT hub. While the final schedules for these new flights are still being ironed out, this move promises to alleviate immediate capacity constraints at the shared Lohegaon airbase, bringing crucial relief to commuters and businesses alike.
Santosh Dhoke, Director of Pune International Airport, confirmed the allocation, stating, “As of now, 15 flight slots have been given to Pune International Airport. But the finalisation of the flights, timings, and more will take some time. However, the additional flight slots will surely increase aircraft movements from the city.” This incremental improvement is critical for an airport that currently handles over eight million passengers annually and has long grappled with severe capacity limitations due to its operation from a shared military base.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, also announced the development via social media, emphasising the collaborative effort: “With the cooperation of the IAF, 15 more civil flight slots have been added during peak hours at the Pune International Airport, raising daily movements from 220 to 235. This is our dedicated step to ensure faster and smoother journeys for you.” This joint civilian-military cooperation underscores a pragmatic approach to optimising existing infrastructure to meet burgeoning public demand, a model that could be replicated in other dual-use airbases across the nation.
Despite these immediate gains, public sentiment on social media platforms highlights a persistent demand for a dedicated, full-fledged civilian international airport for Pune. Netizens voiced concerns regarding the long-proposed airport in Purandar taluka, with one user on X lamenting, “Pune needs a full-fledged green field international airport of its own! Not a single inch of land is yet acquired for Purandar.” Another user pointed out gaps in connectivity, asking, “When can we have flights from Pune to Amaravati?” Furthermore, critical feedback emerged regarding ground services, with one X user remarking, “Cab service, pick up and drop arrangements are third grade, pathetic, inefficient and worse at the Pune airport than any airport in the country.” These public appeals underscore the need for both immediate solutions and accelerated long-term infrastructure development to truly align with Pune’s status as a rapidly growing metropolis.
The newly added flight slots are expected to significantly ease congestion, enhance scheduling flexibility for airlines, and better cater to the increasing passenger demand. As Pune continues its trajectory as a pivotal IT and industrial centre, both business and leisure air travel have witnessed a consistent surge. Distributing these new slots among domestic carriers will not only enhance scheduling flexibility and reduce delays but also increase frequency on high-demand routes, offering passengers greater connectivity and an improved travel experience. While these additional slots provide much-needed short-term relief, the long-term solution for Pune’s escalating air traffic remains the dedicated greenfield Pune International Airport at Purandar. This future airport promises autonomous civil aviation infrastructure and greater operational capacity. Until its realization, sustained coordination between civil aviation authorities and the Indian Air Force will be indispensable in ensuring that Pune remains well-connected and capable of sustaining its remarkable urban and economic growth in the years to come, advocating for smart, sustainable, and equitable urban mobility.
Also Read: India Rises to Third Largest Global Aviation Market
