Expanded Flight Horizons
Pune Airport is set to experience a significant boost in its flight operations with the addition of 15 new flight slots, commencing from May 1st. This
strategic enhancement will see the airport's total capacity climb from 220 to 235 slots, paving the way for several new domestic flight paths. This initiative is a concerted effort to strengthen regional ties, stimulate the tourism sector, and foster greater trade opportunities, making travel more accessible and efficient for passengers. The expansion is a direct result of a request made by Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, with the newly allocated slots specifically designated for daytime operations, allowing airlines to introduce refreshed and convenient flight schedules for travelers.
New Multi-Leg Adventure
A noteworthy addition to the flight network is the introduction of a novel multi-leg route connecting Pune to Tirupati, with an intermediate stop in Solapur. This innovative service will operate as two distinct sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air is slated to operate flight S5 331/332 on this route, commencing its service on May 1st. For the Solapur-Pune leg, flights are scheduled to arrive in Pune at 3:20 pm and depart at 4:00 pm six days a week, with a slight schedule adjustment on Saturdays where arrivals will be at 4:10 pm and departures at 4:40 pm. The specific timings for the Solapur-Tirupati segment are yet to be released by the airline.
Direct Access to Mangaluru
Direct air travel between Pune and Mangaluru is set to become a reality with FLY 91 introducing a daily flight service on this route. Designated as flight IC 1609/1610, this new connection will commence operations on May 1st. The inbound flight from Mangaluru will arrive at Pune Airport at 6:40 pm, with the return journey to Mangaluru departing at 7:05 pm. This service will operate seven days a week, offering consistent and convenient travel options for passengers journeying between these two important cities.
Gateway to Northeast
Enhancing connectivity to India's Northeast region, Air India will operate a daily service between Bagdogra and Pune starting May 1st. Flight AI 4171/4172 is scheduled to land in Pune at 12:25 pm and depart for Bagdogra at 1:15 pm. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke highlighted the significant strategic value of Bagdogra, emphasizing its role as a crucial gateway to the Northeast. This new route is expected to greatly simplify travel for those wishing to visit or connect with the northeastern states from Pune.
Connecting Goa and Chennai
SpiceJet is launching a new flight service that will connect Goa and Chennai, with Pune serving as an intermediate stop. Flight SG 1080/1080 will commence operations from May 1st and will run daily. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Pune at 8:00 pm and will depart for Chennai at 9:00 pm. This route provides a crucial link for travelers looking to move between these popular destinations, with Pune offering a convenient transit point.
New Varanasi Link
Travelers between Pune and Varanasi will benefit from a new direct air service to be introduced by Akasa Air. The flight, QP 1313/1314, will begin operating from May 1st and will run throughout the week. The flight is expected to arrive in Pune at 1:50 pm and depart at 2:35 pm. This new route is anticipated to boost tourism and business interactions between these two culturally significant cities.
Bengaluru Frequency Boost
The existing air link between Pune and Bengaluru will see an increase in frequency, with Air India Express introducing additional flights. Flight IX 1971/2718 will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays, commencing May 1st. As per the airline's schedule, the flight will depart Bengaluru at 12:45 pm, arriving in Pune at 2:15 pm. The return journey will depart Pune at 2:55 pm, landing back in Bengaluru at 4:40 pm. This enhanced service aims to cater to the growing demand for travel between these major southern cities.
Patna Service Commences
Starting May 2nd, IndiGo will introduce a new flight service connecting Patna and Pune. This new route, flight number 6E 2183/2184, will operate three times a week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights will depart from Patna at 3:40 pm, arriving in Pune at 6:05 pm. The return flight will depart Pune at 6:40 pm, reaching Patna at 9:00 pm. This service is expected to improve connectivity for passengers traveling between Bihar's capital and Pune.
UDAN Routes Continue
In addition to the newly launched services, Pune Airport will continue to facilitate flights under the Government of India's Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as UDAN. This scheme focuses on enhancing last-mile connectivity to underserved regions. Current UDAN destinations served from Pune include Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon, ensuring that smaller towns and cities remain well-connected to the national air network and fostering economic development in these areas.
Economic and Passenger Benefits
Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar expressed strong approval for this expansion, noting the sustained and increasing demand on Pune Airport's existing routes. He emphasized that the introduction of these new destinations will significantly bolster regional connectivity, benefiting a wide array of passengers. Officials reiterated that the increased slot capacity is strategically designed to enhance passenger convenience, strengthen overall connectivity, and support the economic growth of the region. With these new routes and increased frequencies, Pune is poised to solidify its position as a more prominent aviation hub in western India, attracting more travelers and businesses.
