Pune Airport to Activate 15 Additional Flight Slots from May 1, Enhancing Air Travel Connectivity
In a significant development for air travel in the region, Pune airport is set to begin operationalizing 15 additional flight slots starting May 1, as announced by airport director Santosh Dhoke on Monday. These slots, granted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) last year, had remained unutilized for several months, including through the winter schedule that concluded on March 28.
Expanded Capacity and New Flight Routes
The activation of these 15 slots will bring the total operational capacity at Pune airport to 235, of which 216 are already in active use. Santosh Dhoke emphasized that the remaining slots will be allocated to interested airlines based on aircraft availability and network planning, providing further opportunities for service expansion. This move is expected to significantly boost connectivity and offer passengers more travel options.
Leveraging this enhanced capacity, several new sectors are slated for introduction in the near future. These include flights to Bagdogra operated by Air India, Mangalore by Fly91, and a route between Solapur and Tirupati by Star Air. Additionally, increased flight frequencies are anticipated shortly for existing routes, such as Kolkata (SpiceJet), Varanasi (Akasa Air), and Bangalore (Air India Express), which will offer passengers improved travel flexibility and convenience.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Operational Details
Sources indicated that the IAF had requested airport authorities to upgrade ground infrastructure before activating the additional slots. To meet this demand, a new security hold area (SHA) is expected to open by May. This expansion will enlarge the departure zone and potentially increase the number of boarding gates. Currently, the airport features 10 gates equipped with aerobridges, along with two remote or bus gates designated for smaller aircraft, ensuring efficient passenger handling.
On the domestic front, Pune airport now provides direct connectivity to 37 destinations. The highest frequencies remain concentrated on key routes like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, alongside regional routes such as Nanded, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, and Kishangarh, catering to both major and local travel needs.
International Operations and Future Prospects
International operations at Pune airport maintain direct links to three major global hubs: Dubai, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi. Dhoke confirmed that all international routes operational during the winter schedule have been retained for the summer schedule, ensuring continuity for travelers. Currently, Air India Express and SpiceJet operate international services from Pune to Bangkok and Dubai, supporting global connectivity.
This expansion not only enhances Pune's position as a key aviation hub but also aligns with broader efforts to improve air travel infrastructure in India. With the new slots and upcoming routes, passengers can look forward to more choices and better service, contributing to regional economic growth and tourism.
