Calls for Expansion of Pune Airport’s International Links as It Ranks 19th in Passenger Traffic
Calls for Expansion of Pune Airport’s International Links as It Ranks 19th in Passenger Traffic
Pune, India — Pune International Airport has recently climbed to the 19th position in the country for handling international passenger traffic, according to the Bureau of Immigration. Despite this achievement, the airport currently offers limited international connectivity, primarily serving only Dubai and Bangkok, a situation that industry leaders argue does not reflect Pune’s status as a major IT and industrial hub.
Over the past few years, Pune Airport has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its facilities, aiming to meet the expectations of international travelers. However, the lack of direct international flights has raised concerns among local business leaders and government officials alike.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We are actively working to add more international destinations from Pune. Given the city’s industrial importance and global relevance, we expect new routes to be operational next year.” Mohol emphasized the unprecedented growth of the aviation sector and the central government’s commitment to expanding airport infrastructure across the country.
Industrialist Sudhir Mehta has been vocal about the need for expanded international services, calling it essential for supporting Pune’s economic and urban growth. He pointed out that the current international offerings are insufficient, especially considering the rising demand from the city’s thriving IT parks and industrial zones. “At present, Pune Airport has international flight services only to Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. The Singapore service is suspended, and the Bangkok flight is not a direct departure, leaving Dubai as the only consistently operating route,” Mehta noted.
The airport’s domestic network remains robust, with frequent flights to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. However, the limited international connectivity forces many travelers to rely on Mumbai for overseas flights, impacting both passenger numbers and airport revenue.
Local groups have expressed frustration over the absence of Middle Eastern carriers at Pune Airport. Entrepreneur Amit Paranjape questioned the lack of services from airlines like Etihad and FlyDubai, stating, “If aircraft like the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX can operate from Pune’s runway without issue, what is the barrier for expanding international operations?”
With over 800,000 IT employees, numerous industries, and a large student population in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, stakeholders argue that direct international flights would not only save time and costs for travelers but also strengthen Pune’s global connections.
As the demand for international travel continues to rise, the call for expanding Pune International Airport’s international links grows louder. With government support and industry advocacy, the future of Pune’s connectivity could soon see significant improvements, aligning with its status as a burgeoning global city.
