Expanded Slot Capacity
Pune Airport is experiencing a substantial boost in its operational capacity with the allocation of fifteen new flight slots by the Indian Air Force. This
increase will raise the airport's total daily slot allowance from 220 to 235. This significant enhancement is a direct result of a request made by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol. These additional daytime slots are poised to facilitate the launch of several new flight services, which are expected to stimulate tourism, foster trade relationships, and strengthen regional connectivity across India. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke emphasized the strategic importance of these developments in improving passenger convenience and supporting economic advancement in the region.
Tirupati & Solapur Route
A notable addition to Pune's flight network is a multi-leg service connecting Pune to Tirupati, with an intermediate stop in Solapur. This new route creates two distinct flight paths: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air will be the carrier operating this service, identified by flight number S5 331/332, commencing from May 1st. The flights connecting Solapur and Pune are scheduled to arrive in Pune at 3:20 pm and depart back to Solapur at 4:00 pm on most days, operating six days a week, excluding Saturdays. On Saturdays, the inbound flight to Pune will arrive at 4:10 pm and depart at 4:40 pm. Specific timings for the Solapur-Tirupati segment of this route are still to be announced, but its introduction is a significant step for travelers heading to the pilgrimage city of Tirupati via Solapur.
Mangaluru Connectivity Boost
Direct air travel between Pune and Mangaluru is set to become a reality with the launch of a new flight by FLY 91. Operating under flight number IC 1609/1610, this service will commence on May 1st. The flight arriving from Mangaluru is scheduled to reach Pune at 6:40 pm, and the return journey to Mangaluru will depart from Pune at 7:05 pm. This new route will operate seven days a week, offering consistent connectivity for passengers traveling between these two important cities. The introduction of this daily service is expected to facilitate easier travel for business and leisure between Pune and the coastal city of Mangaluru.
Gateway to Northeast: Bagdogra
Air India is introducing flight AI 4171/4172 to connect Pune with Bagdogra, a strategically vital location in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, starting May 1st. The inbound flight from Bagdogra is slated to arrive in Pune at 12:25 pm, with its departure back to Bagdogra scheduled for 1:15 pm. This service will operate from Monday through Sunday. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke highlighted Bagdogra's critical role as a gateway to the northeastern states of India, indicating that direct flights from Pune will significantly simplify travel for individuals wishing to visit these regions for tourism, business, or other purposes.
SpiceJet's Via Pune Route
SpiceJet is adding a new flight, SG 1080/1080, that will connect Goa and Chennai by operating via Pune. This service will begin on May 1st. The flight's schedule indicates an arrival from Goa into Pune at 8:00 pm, followed by its departure to Chennai at 9:00 pm. This route will operate daily, from Monday to Sunday, providing a consistent link for passengers traveling between these popular destinations with Pune serving as an intermediate point. The addition of this flight will enhance travel options for those journeying between the west coast and the southern parts of the country, utilizing Pune's growing airport infrastructure.
Akasa Air to Varanasi
Akasa Air is set to commence operations between Pune and Varanasi with flight QP 1313/1314, effective May 1st. The flight from Varanasi is expected to arrive in Pune at 1:50 pm, with the return flight departing from Pune at 2:35 pm. This service will run throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday, ensuring regular connectivity between the cultural hub of Varanasi and Pune. This new route is anticipated to ease travel for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers between these two significant cities, further expanding the reach of air travel options from Pune.
Bengaluru Direct Service
Air India Express will re-establish direct flights between Pune and Bengaluru, operating flight IX 1971/2718, starting May 1st. This service will be available six days a week, with the exception of Saturdays. According to the airline's booking portal, flight IX 1971 departs Bengaluru at 12:45 pm, arriving in Pune at 2:15 pm. The return flight, IX 2718, will depart from Pune at 2:55 pm and reach Bengaluru by 4:40 pm. This consistent service aims to cater to the high demand for travel between these two major IT and business hubs in India.
IndiGo to Patna
Starting May 2nd, IndiGo will introduce flight 6E 2183/2184 connecting Pune and Patna, operating three days a week. Specifically, the service will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. IndiGo's booking information indicates that flight 6E 2183 departs Patna at 3:40 pm, arriving in Pune at 6:05 pm. The return flight, 6E 2184, leaves Pune at 6:40 pm and is scheduled to land in Patna at 9:00 pm. This new route aims to improve air accessibility for passengers traveling between Pune and the capital of Bihar.
Continued UDAN Routes
Beyond the newly introduced flights, Pune Airport remains committed to enhancing regional connectivity through the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN). Currently, four important regional destinations are served under this scheme: Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke underscored the vital role these RCS routes play in ensuring last-mile connectivity and fostering equitable development across regions. The overall increase in slot capacity is strategically designed to provide improved travel convenience, expand flight options, and significantly contribute to the economic prosperity of the entire region.
