Pune’s economic and demographic landscape expands rapidly, aviation experts and industry analysts have underscored the urgent need for a dedicated greenfield airport at Purandar, dismissing concerns that Navi Mumbai’s new airport might suffice for the region’s aviation demands.
The debate around the viability of Purandar airport has intensified, with experts highlighting its strategic importance in enhancing connectivity, boosting regional trade, and catering to Maharashtra’s burgeoning economy. Currently served by Lohegaon Airport, Pune is one of India’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. However, the existing airport, operating well beyond its capacity, struggles to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic and cargo movement. Lohegaon’s design capacity of 1.5 million passengers has surged to nearly 9 million annually, with projections reaching 12 million by 2025-26. This exponential growth underscores the urgent requirement for additional infrastructure to meet future demands.
Experts argue that the proposed Purandar airport, situated approximately 50 km from Pune, offers unparalleled advantages over Navi Mumbai’s airport. “Purandar is strategically positioned to serve not just Pune but the entire region, including Ahmednagar, Solapur, Beed, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Ratnagiri,” said an aviation consultant specialising in general aviation. The travel time from Pune to Purandar is approximately an hour and a half, significantly quicker than the two-and-a-half-hour journey to Navi Mumbai, particularly with the upcoming ring road projects aimed at enhancing connectivity. While Navi Mumbai’s airport is poised to decongest Mumbai’s existing infrastructure, experts argue that it will primarily serve the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), leaving Pune and its surrounding areas underserved. “The Purandar airport will not only serve passenger traffic but also play a pivotal role in cargo operations, addressing the current logistical gaps in the region,” said a senior aviation analyst.
The current Lohegaon facility’s limitations further reinforce the need for Purandar. With just 10 parking bays and limited scope for expansion, it cannot accommodate wide-body aircraft, restricting the growth potential for international connectivity. The existing infrastructure struggles to manage peak-season loads, creating bottlenecks that affect both passenger comfort and operational efficiency. A former director of airports in Maharashtra highlighted that while Navi Mumbai will significantly impact the region’s aviation landscape, it will not eliminate the necessity for an independent airport in Purandar. “Pune’s strategic location and economic growth trajectory demand multiple airports to support its increasing population and global connectivity needs,” the expert asserted.
Business leaders and local stakeholders have echoed these sentiments. Members of the Pune airport advisory committee emphasise that Purandar’s development is not merely about adding another airport but about fostering sustainable economic growth. “The region’s rapid development requires robust transport infrastructure. A dedicated airport at Purandar will drive investment, create employment, and support Pune’s aspirations as a global economic hub,” a senior business official stated. Furthermore, the prospect of converting the Lohegaon military airbase into a civil airport is considered impractical. The base, essential for national security operations, cannot be repurposed without compromising critical defence activities. “Purandar offers a more feasible and secure solution, enabling the development of a world-class airport without affecting national security,” said a retired Air Force official.
Airlines also support the expansion, highlighting the benefits of additional slots and operational flexibility. “More airports mean more opportunities for airlines to operate efficiently. Purandar will provide the much-needed capacity to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demands, which Navi Mumbai alone cannot fulfil,” noted a senior airline executive. The Purandar airport project emerges as a strategic necessity, not just for Pune but for the broader Maharashtra region. As the state’s economic engine accelerates, the need for sustainable, well-connected, and efficient aviation infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. The Purandar airport represents more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it’s a commitment to Maharashtra’s future as a thriving, connected, and resilient economy.
Pune Needs Purandar Airport for Growing Economy
