Pune airport is grappling with underutilisation of the 15 additional flight slots allocated earlier this year, despite expectations of increased air connectivity during the upcoming winter schedule from October 26 to March 28. Experts indicate that limited airport infrastructure, particularly a shortage of aircraft parking bays, alongside the rising appeal of newer airports at Navi Mumbai and Jewar, has slowed airlines from deploying new flights immediately.
Currently, Pune airport operates with 235 slots, including the newly approved ones. Of these, 207 slots are already occupied, facilitating between 192 and over 200 daily flights, depending on operational demand. While the slot timings are available between 6 am and 10.30 pm, airlines are reportedly cautious about fully activating these new allocations until additional infrastructure is in place. Officials from the civil aviation ministry expressed optimism about the slots eventually being utilised. A statement noted that the final decision rests with airlines, but the timings and strategic location of Pune airport should make the slots attractive once supporting infrastructure is completed.
The airport presently has only 10 aircraft parking bays and lacks remote parking facilities, a limitation that constrains its ability to accommodate more flights. The defence ministry has approved the transfer of 13 acres of land to Pune airport, earmarked for constructing eight additional parking and remote bays. Plans are also underway to acquire 300 acres of both private and defence-owned land for runway extension and ancillary infrastructure, including hangars and facilities for non-scheduled flights. Aviation experts caution that airlines’ hesitancy is understandable. According to a former airport director, high air traffic at Pune combined with limited parking capacity makes immediate full-scale utilisation of new slots impractical. With upcoming operations at Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports, carriers are prioritising larger, more modern hubs. Furthermore, resumption of international routes, such as flights to China, has redirected airline focus, leaving Pune’s new slots temporarily underutilised.
Airline responses regarding the new flight schedule were awaited at the time of reporting, and airport authorities indicated formal announcements would follow once the winter schedule is officially released. Industry analysts suggest that once additional parking bays are operational, Pune airport could experience a gradual ramp-up in flight operations. The expansion plan aligns with broader goals of enhancing regional connectivity, supporting economic activity, and promoting sustainable aviation infrastructure.
While the short-term utilisation of new slots remains limited, Pune airport’s planned infrastructure upgrades reflect a long-term strategy to handle increasing traffic efficiently and maintain competitiveness amid the expansion of India’s aviation network.
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