Pune airport is gearing up to handle an estimated one million additional passengers in 2026, reflecting a continuation of growth recorded in 2025. The anticipated rise in air traffic underscores the urgency for infrastructure expansion to prevent congestion, streamline operations, and maintain service efficiency. Aviation planners emphasise that without timely upgrades, both domestic and international travel could face bottlenecks affecting operational reliability and passenger experience.
The airport aims to commission a new departure area with a fully integrated Security Hold Area (SHA) by the second quarter of 2026. The expansion is expected to increase terminal capacity, improve check-in and security processing, and facilitate smoother passenger flow. Analysts suggest that such additions are essential as Pune consolidates its position as a regional aviation hub with rising domestic and international connectivity. Passenger growth in 2025 reached roughly six per cent year-on-year, with domestic traffic rising by about five per cent and international movements surging over 65 per cent. Most flights currently utilise Airbus A320 aircraft, carrying approximately 170 passengers per flight. Discussions with carriers to introduce Airbus A321 aircraft, offering 221 seats, are underway to increase per-flight capacity and accommodate projected growth. Experts indicate that this shift could significantly reduce load factors and operational pressure on peak travel days. Capacity constraints extend beyond terminal facilities. The Indian Air Force allocated 15 additional flight slots in late 2025, raising the total to 237; however, utilisation remains limited due to insufficient parking bays. The transfer of 15 acres from the Air Force to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for additional bays is pending, highlighting the inter-agency coordination needed to support future traffic volumes.
Frequent flyers have reported delays caused by aircraft waiting for available bays and passengers remaining onboard longer than necessary, emphasising the operational pressures. Aviation planners stress that integrating older terminal infrastructure with new facilities, runway enhancements, and the creation of remote and additional parking bays are critical steps to prevent congestion and ensure safe operations. Infrastructure expansion at Pune airport is closely linked to the city’s broader economic and connectivity objectives. Experts note that efficient airport operations support business travel, tourism, and investment inflows, particularly as Pune continues to grow as an industrial and IT hub. Improving passenger throughput and cargo handling will also strengthen the airport’s competitiveness relative to other regional airports, reinforcing Pune’s strategic importance in western India’s transport network.
Authorities plan to prioritise timely execution of terminal expansions, security enhancements, and aircraft parking facilities to maintain operational efficiency. The city’s aviation ecosystem must scale in tandem with passenger growth to ensure that rising demand does not compromise safety, service quality, or connectivity.
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