Expanded Flight Capacity
Pune Airport is experiencing a significant boost in its operational capacity, with an approved increase of 15 additional flight slots. This expansion raises
the airport's total daily slot count from 220 to a robust 235. This crucial development, facilitated by the Indian Air Force's approval following a request from Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, is poised to introduce several new flight paths. Airport director Santosh Dhoke emphasized that these newly allocated slots will be utilized for daytime operations, a move anticipated to stimulate tourism, foster trade relationships, and strengthen regional ties across various parts of the country. This enhanced connectivity is a direct response to growing demand and aims to make travel more convenient and accessible for a wider population.
New Tirupati Connection
A notable addition to Pune's air network is a multi-leg route designed to connect Pune directly with Tirupati, with a stopover in Solapur. This new service will operate as two distinct sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air is scheduled to commence operations on this route, specifically flight S5 331/332, starting May 1st. For the Solapur-Pune segment, flights are expected to arrive in Pune by 3:20 PM and depart back to Solapur by 4:00 PM on most days of the week, operating six days a week with a slight adjustment on Saturdays where arrivals will be at 4:10 PM and departures at 4:40 PM. The specific timings for the Solapur-Tirupati leg are yet to be finalized and announced by the airline.
Mangaluru Service Launch
Passengers seeking to travel between Pune and Mangaluru will soon have direct access, as FLY 91 is launching a new flight service on this route starting May 1st. The flight, designated as IC 1609/1610, will operate daily, seven days a week, ensuring consistent connectivity. The inbound flight from Mangaluru is scheduled to arrive in Pune at 6:40 PM, with the return flight departing from Pune back to Mangaluru scheduled for 7:05 PM. This daily service aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing a convenient option for those looking to connect the two cities with ease and regularity throughout the week.
Gateway to Northeast
Air India is introducing a new service linking Pune with Bagdogra, a strategically vital airport in West Bengal, commencing on May 1st. This flight, AI 4171/4172, will operate throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday. The inbound flight from Bagdogra is slated to arrive in Pune by 12:25 PM, with the departure back to Bagdogra scheduled for 1:15 PM. Airport director Santosh Dhoke highlighted the significance of Bagdogra as a critical entry point to the northeastern states, including the Darjeeling district. Direct flights from Pune are expected to considerably simplify travel for individuals and businesses heading to these regions, fostering greater accessibility and potentially boosting regional economic activity.
Goa-Chennai Via Pune
SpiceJet is set to operate a new flight connecting Goa and Chennai, with Pune serving as a transit point, effective May 1st. This service, flight SG 1080/1080, will run on a daily basis, Monday through Sunday. The flight will arrive in Pune from Goa at 8:00 PM and will then depart for Chennai at 9:00 PM. This new route provides a convenient option for travelers looking to journey between these coastal cities, utilizing Pune as a central hub for onward or connecting flights. The consistent daily schedule aims to offer reliability for passengers planning their travel itineraries.
Varanasi Link Established
Akasa Air will commence operations on a new route connecting Pune with Varanasi starting May 1st, with flight number QP 1313/1314. This service is scheduled to operate every day of the week, offering consistent connectivity between the two cities. The flight arriving in Pune from Varanasi is expected to land at 1:50 PM, and the return flight departing from Pune back to Varanasi is scheduled for 2:35 PM. This addition aims to facilitate easier travel for pilgrims, tourists, and business professionals who frequently travel between these culturally and economically significant locations, enhancing the travel options available from Pune.
Bengaluru Service Details
Air India Express is launching a new flight service between Pune and Bengaluru, effective May 1st, with flight numbers IX 1971/2718. This service will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays, providing regular connectivity on most days. According to the airline's booking information, flight IX 1971 departs from Bengaluru at 12:45 PM, arriving in Pune at 2:15 PM. The return flight, IX 2718, departs from Pune at 2:55 PM and is scheduled to reach Bengaluru by 4:40 PM. This route is crucial given the high volume of traffic between these two major economic centers, and its operation will enhance travel efficiency for many passengers.
Patna Flight Schedule
IndiGo is introducing a new flight service that will connect Pune and Patna, with flight numbers 6E 2183/2184, beginning on May 2nd. This service will operate three times a week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing dedicated connectivity on these days. As per IndiGo's official booking details, flight 6E 2183 departs from Patna at 3:40 PM and is expected to arrive in Pune by 6:05 PM. The return flight, 6E 2184, departs from Pune at 6:40 PM and is scheduled to reach Patna at 9:00 PM. This new route aims to serve the growing travel demand between these two important cities, particularly for those who require travel during the middle of the week or on weekends.
UDAN Routes Continue
In addition to the newly announced routes, Pune Airport continues to be a vital hub for regional connectivity through four existing routes under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) scheme. These routes serve Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon, providing essential last-mile connectivity to these areas. Airport director Santosh Dhoke emphasized the instrumental role these UDAN routes play in fostering balanced regional development and improving accessibility. The increased slot capacity at Pune Airport is strategically designed to enhance passenger convenience, support economic growth in the surrounding regions, and ensure that air travel remains an accessible option for a broader segment of the population.
