Pune's Lohegaon Airport has achieved a significant milestone by securing a position among India's top 20 airports for international passenger traffic. The announcement was made by Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, on Tuesday, December 3, 2025.
A Notable Achievement Amidst Operational Challenges
According to the rating released by the Bureau of Immigration, Pune Airport is now ranked 19th in the country for handling international travellers. This entry into the top 20 list is particularly noteworthy given the airport's unique operational constraints. The facility operates under defence control and shares its single runway with the Indian Air Force, which traditionally limits its capacity for civilian flights.
Remarkably, this ranking was accomplished with direct flights to only two international destinations: Dubai and Bangkok. Minister Mohol highlighted that the achievement underscores Pune's rising prominence on the global connectivity map, driven by its dual identity as a major IT hub and a rapidly expanding automobile manufacturing centre, especially in the Chakan MIDC region.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Passenger Growth
Recent improvements at the airport have played a crucial role in enhancing passenger experience and supporting this growth. Upgrades to the terminal building, the introduction of new amenities like the Aeromall, and an expansion of the terminal have collectively improved comfort for travellers.
In his statement, Minister Mohol credited the central government's focus on the aviation sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "Over the last 11 years, the Central Government has built several new airports and carried out large-scale upgrades at existing ones. Pune International Airport is a great example of this," he said. He added that facilities have been significantly enhanced in recent years to meet the expectations of international passengers.
A Promising Future for Pune's Aviation Hub
Santosh Dhoke, the Airport Director for the Airports Authority of India at Pune Airport, hailed the achievement and expressed optimism for the future. He pointed to Pune's favourable environment as an educational and IT centre that naturally attracts travellers.
Dhoke provided compelling passenger traffic figures that illustrate a strong growth trajectory:
- The airport handled 9.5 million passengers in the 2023–24 financial year.
- This number rose to 10.5 million in 2024–25.
- For the current 2025–26 period, authorities expect to cross 11.5 million passengers.
"With the pace at which our economy is growing, more people prefer air travel, and Pune has naturally become a key destination," Dhoke stated. He emphasised that this consistent growth is a clear indicator of the robustness of the region's aviation industry and the airport's promising potential for further expansion and connectivity.
