Expanded Capacity Unlocks New Horizons
Pune Airport is experiencing a significant boost in its operational capacity with the approval of 15 additional flight slots by the Indian Air Force. This
strategic enhancement elevates the airport's total slot availability from 220 to 235, paving the way for the introduction of several much-anticipated new flight routes. These additions are slated to commence in May, significantly broadening travel possibilities for passengers. The expansion, facilitated by a request from Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, is anticipated to foster greater tourism, stimulate trade, and strengthen regional integration across various parts of India. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke emphasized that these new schedules are integrated within the daytime slot allocation, ensuring efficient operations and passenger convenience.
Spiritual and Coastal Connections
A key new development is the introduction of a multi-leg service connecting Pune to the sacred city of Tirupati, with a stopover in Solapur. This route creates two distinct sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air will be operating this service, designated as flight S5 331/332, starting May 1. Flights on the Solapur-Pune segment will arrive in Pune by 3:20 pm and depart for Solapur at 4:00 pm, operating six days a week, with a slightly adjusted schedule on Saturdays. Additionally, FLY 91 is launching a direct connection between Pune and Mangaluru via flight IC 1609/1610, also effective May 1. This Mangaluru service will see flights arriving in Pune at 6:40 pm and departing back at 7:05 pm, running daily throughout the week, offering convenient travel options to both coastal cities.
Gateway to the Northeast
Pune's air connectivity receives a vital extension towards the Northeast with Air India's introduction of flights to Bagdogra (IXB). Operating as flight AI 4171/4172 from May 1, this route signifies a crucial step in enhancing travel to West Bengal's Darjeeling district. The inbound flight is scheduled to arrive in Pune by 12:25 pm, with the return flight departing at 1:15 pm, operating Monday through Sunday. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke highlighted the strategic importance of Bagdogra, describing it as a primary gateway to the entire Northeast region. This direct air link is expected to considerably simplify travel for individuals and businesses connecting to these areas, fostering economic and cultural exchange.
Connecting Major Hubs
Further enhancing connectivity, SpiceJet will initiate a new flight route operating between Goa and Chennai, with Pune serving as a transit point. This service, identified as flight SG 1080/1080 and commencing May 1, will see the flight arrive in Pune from Goa at 8:00 pm and then depart for Chennai at 9:00 pm, running every day of the week. Akasa Air is also joining the expanded network, introducing flights between Pune and Varanasi (VNS) with flight QP 1313/1314, effective May 1. The Varanasi flight will arrive in Pune at 1:50 pm and depart back at 2:35 pm, also operating daily. These additions reinforce Pune's position as a significant hub, linking it to other major commercial and tourist destinations across the country.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The expansion continues with Air India Express launching services between Pune and Bengaluru, operating flight IX 1971/2718 starting May 1. This route will be available six days a week, excluding Saturdays. The flight from Bengaluru is slated to arrive in Pune at 2:15 pm, with the return flight departing Pune at 2:55 pm, reaching Bengaluru at 4:40 pm. Adding to the new connections, IndiGo will commence operations between Pune and Patna on flight 6E 2183/2184, starting May 2. This service will run three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight from Patna is expected to arrive in Pune at 6:05 pm, departing back at 6:40 pm. These new routes, alongside existing UDAN scheme services to Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon, underscore a commitment to robust last-mile connectivity and regional development.
