Expanded Air Connectivity
Pune Airport is experiencing a significant boost in its operational capacity with the approval of fifteen additional flight slots by the Indian Air Force.
This expansion raises the airport's total slot count from 220 to 235, facilitating the introduction of several new and vital air routes. This strategic enhancement, driven by a request from Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, is poised to significantly contribute to tourism, trade, and the overall integration of various regions. The new flight schedules are specifically designed to utilize daytime slots, maximizing efficiency and accessibility for passengers looking to travel to newly connected destinations across India.
Pilgrimage & Business Route
A noteworthy addition to Pune's flight network is a multi-leg service connecting Pune to Tirupati, with an intermediate stop in Solapur. This route effectively creates two new sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air will be the operator for this crucial link, with flight S5 331/332 commencing operations on May 1st. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Pune from Solapur at 3:20 pm and depart back at 4:00 pm, operating six days a week, excluding Saturdays. On Saturdays, the arrival time in Pune will be 4:10 pm, with a departure at 4:40 pm. While timings for the Solapur-Tirupati leg are still to be announced, this new connection promises to make travel to the revered Tirupati shrine and the commercial hub of Solapur more convenient for passengers originating from or traveling through Pune.
Coastal City Link
The coastal city of Mangaluru is now more accessible from Pune with the introduction of a new flight by FLY 91. Flight IC 1609/1610 will operate this route starting May 1st. Passengers traveling from Mangaluru to Pune can expect the flight to arrive at 6:40 pm, with the return journey from Pune to Mangaluru departing at 7:05 pm. This service is set to operate throughout the week, offering daily connectivity between these two important cities. This new direct route is expected to foster stronger business ties and leisure travel between the coastal region and Maharashtra's thriving metropolitan area.
Gateway to the Northeast
Air India is set to commence operations on a new route connecting Bagdogra, the gateway to the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, with Pune. Flight AI 4171/4172 will begin its service on May 1st. The inbound flight from Bagdogra is scheduled to land in Pune at 12:25 pm, with the return flight departing Pune at 1:15 pm. This service will be available from Monday to Sunday, ensuring consistent connectivity. The strategic importance of Bagdogra as a key entry point to the northeastern states of India cannot be overstated, and this direct link from Pune is anticipated to greatly simplify travel for tourists and business travelers alike, reducing transit times and improving accessibility to this scenic region.
Interstate Travel Hub
Pune Airport will now serve as a crucial transit point for a flight connecting Goa and Chennai. SpiceJet's flight SG 1080/1080, commencing May 1st, will arrive from Goa at 8:00 pm and then depart for Chennai at 9:00 pm. This service operates daily, Monday through Sunday. This new route enhances connectivity between the popular tourist destination of Goa and the major southern metropolis of Chennai, with Pune benefiting from its role as an intermediary hub. This development is expected to streamline travel for passengers moving between these key economic and leisure centers.
Spiritual & Cultural Connect
Akasa Air is introducing a new flight service between Varanasi, a city of immense spiritual and cultural significance, and Pune. Flight QP 1313/1314 will be operational from May 1st. The flight is expected to arrive in Pune from Varanasi at 1:50 pm and depart back from Pune at 2:35 pm. This service will run seven days a week, offering regular access between the ancient city of Varanasi and the burgeoning IT and industrial hub of Pune. This direct connection will undoubtedly facilitate easier travel for pilgrims, tourists, and business professionals interested in experiencing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that both cities offer.
Southern Business Corridor
Air India Express is enhancing its service between Pune and Bengaluru, a major hub for technology and business in India. The flight, designated as IX 1971/2718, will commence operations on May 1st and will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays. The flight departing Bengaluru at 12:45 pm is scheduled to arrive in Pune at 2:15 pm, while the return flight, IX 2718, will depart Pune at 2:55 pm and reach Bengaluru at 4:40 pm. This increased frequency and reliability of service will cater to the significant business and commuter traffic between these two vital economic centers, fostering closer professional and personal ties.
Eastern Metropolis Link
IndiGo is set to launch a new flight route connecting Patna, the capital of Bihar, with Pune. Flight 6E 2183/2184 will commence operations on May 2nd, operating three days a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight departing Patna at 3:40 pm is expected to arrive in Pune at 6:05 pm. The return flight from Pune will depart at 6:40 pm and reach Patna at 9:00 pm. This new service aims to bridge the geographical distance and improve connectivity between the eastern state of Bihar and the western industrial hub of Pune, potentially boosting trade, tourism, and bilateral relations.
Continued Regional Access
In addition to these new long-haul routes, Pune Airport continues its commitment to regional connectivity through the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. Currently, four regional destinations—Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon—are served under this initiative. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke emphasized that these RCS routes are fundamental in extending last-mile connectivity and promoting balanced regional development. The overall increase in slot capacity is specifically designed to offer improved passenger convenience and support the economic growth of the surrounding regions, ensuring that smaller towns and cities also benefit from enhanced air travel.
