With Ganesh Chaturthi just days away, the festive travel surge has prompted regional airline FLY91 to expand its services on the Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune sector. The additional flights, scheduled between August 24 and September 7, are expected to ease the heavy passenger rush as thousands of families return to their hometowns for Maharashtra’s most widely celebrated festival.
The airline confirmed that extra services have been introduced on August 24, 29, 31 and September 5 and 7. Tickets for these flights are available through its official platform. By scaling up capacity on this route, the airline aims to strengthen regional air links while giving travellers flexibility at a time when road and rail networks remain heavily congested. An airline official said the move aligns with its strategy of focusing on last-mile connectivity. “Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important occasions for travellers in Maharashtra. By introducing more flights, we want to ensure passengers have reliable and comfortable access to their families and communities.”
Industry analysts note that festive travel demand in western India spikes significantly every year, particularly on routes connecting urban hubs like Pune with smaller but culturally significant destinations. Sindhudurg, known for its ancestral homes and coastal celebrations, remains a high-demand destination. Expanding air services is expected not only to cater to family visits but also to boost local tourism and small businesses during the festive season. This development comes at a time when aviation is under growing scrutiny for its carbon footprint. Experts suggest that regional carriers like FLY91 can play a role in reducing road congestion and cutting down on long-distance car journeys, which collectively add to urban emissions. However, sustainable aviation will require further innovation in cleaner fuels and operational efficiency.
Earlier this month, the airline had also deployed additional services around Independence Day, including sectors linking Pune to Goa and Sindhudurg. The ability to respond quickly to seasonal peaks highlights the flexibility of regional operators in addressing passenger needs while promoting balanced economic development across smaller towns. Ganesh Chaturthi begins on August 27 this year, and the state is already witnessing a sharp spike in ticket bookings across all modes of transport. While the added flights bring relief, transport experts caution that long-term investments in multi-modal and eco-friendly infrastructure are essential for managing recurring festive surges in a sustainable way.
For now, travellers heading home for the ten-day festival may find their journey a little smoother, as Pune’s skies open up with added options to connect to Sindhudurg.
Also Read: Pune Bhagyodaynagar residents face repeated power outages
