Pune Airport crosses 1 Crore mark in passenger flow with infrastructure boost
Pune Airport has achieved a significant operational milestone, successfully handling over 1 crore passengers in the financial year 2024-25, marking a robust 9.8% year-on-year growth. This unprecedented surge in passenger traffic, coupled with sharp increases in cargo movement and aircraft operations, is a direct outcome of the airport’s ongoing infrastructure overhaul. The achievement underscores Pune’s escalating prominence as a strategic aviation hub, vital for fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing regional connectivity.
According to data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Pune Airport processed precisely 1.0458 crore passengers during the last fiscal year. This impressive figure was complemented by a 7.5% rise in aircraft movements, totalling 68,830, and an 11.8% growth in cargo throughput, reaching 42,290 metric tons. This upward trajectory continued into recent months, with May 2025 alone recording an all-time high of 9.38 lakh passengers, solidifying the airport’s burgeoning role as a critical logistics and passenger gateway for the region. The consistent rise in cargo, from 2,654 metric tons in June 2023 to over 4,200 metric tons in May 2025, further reinforces Pune’s strategic economic importance.
A pivotal catalyst behind this remarkable surge is the commissioning of the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB), which became fully operational on July 14, following its inauguration earlier in March 2024. Spanning an expansive 52,000 square metres, the state-of-the-art terminal is meticulously designed to accommodate 9.5 million passengers annually, with a peak-hour capacity of 2,300. This substantial expansion addresses the growing demand for air travel, ensuring that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid urbanisation and economic growth, fostering a more efficient and sustainable transit experience.
The enhanced passenger experience at Pune Airport is attributed to a suite of modern amenities and technological integrations. The new terminal boasts 34 check-in counters, 15 lifts, eight escalators, and 10 air-conditioned boarding bridges, including five newly added ones, significantly improving passenger flow and comfort. Aircraft operations are now streamlined through Smart Visual Docking Guidance Systems, seamlessly integrated with the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC). Furthermore, the baggage handling system has been upgraded with RFID (radio frequency identification) and barcode tracking, complemented by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certified multi-level screening for heightened security. The deployment of 12 domestic and three international XBIS machines further ensures faster and safer passenger screening.
Beyond infrastructure, the airport’s route network has also seen strategic expansion, introducing new international flights to destinations such as Bangkok and Dubai, alongside enhanced regional links to Sindhudurg, Nanded, and Jalgaon. This expanded connectivity is crucial for fostering economic development across Maharashtra and beyond. The increased reliance on air travel, facilitated by such modern infrastructure, contributes to a more efficient transport ecosystem, potentially reducing road congestion and associated emissions, aligning with the vision of creating zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable cities by providing accessible and reliable transportation options for all citizens.
