Pune Airport is set to significantly enhance its air connectivity with the operationalization of 15 additional flight slots starting May 1, 2026. This expansion will increase the airport’s total capacity from 220 to 235 slots, with 216 currently in use. The newly added slots are expected to facilitate the introduction of new flight routes, including direct services to Tirupati (via Solapur), Mangaluru, and Bagdogra.
Increased Capacity and New Destinations
The expansion of flight slots has been approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and is a part of the airport’s summer schedule for 2026. The additional capacity will allow for more flights on existing routes and the introduction of new ones, aiming to improve passenger convenience and boost regional connectivity.
Air India is slated to operate flights to Bagdogra, while Star Air will manage services to Solapur and Tirupati. Fly91 will commence operations to Mangaluru. These new routes are expected to strengthen Pune’s domestic network and provide better travel options for passengers.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that these new routes are part of a broader national initiative, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance regional air connectivity by linking smaller and underserved airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been instrumental in this expansion, with proactive efforts to increase airport capacity and connectivity.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The introduction of these new routes is anticipated to improve regional connectivity, promote tourism, and support business travel. The Solapur-Tirupati service, operating via Pune, will create new travel sectors, facilitating easier access between these cities. The Bagdogra route is particularly significant as it serves as a gateway to the Northeast, an area where air travel is crucial due to terrain constraints.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke emphasized that these developments should be viewed within the context of the national aviation network. The objective of the UDAN scheme is to build a robust regional aviation ecosystem across the country, and Pune’s improved connectivity is a result of the development and integration of smaller airports into this network.
The expansion is also supported by efforts to improve ground infrastructure. A new security hold area (SHA) is expected to open by May, which will enlarge the departure zone and potentially increase the number of boarding gates, further enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency.
Enhanced Frequencies and Future Prospects
In addition to new routes, airlines are also planning to increase flight frequencies on busy existing routes. This includes additional services to Kolkata by SpiceJet, Varanasi by Akasa Air, and Bengaluru by Air India Express. This will offer passengers greater flexibility and more travel choices.
The airport currently connects to 37 domestic destinations, including major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. It also maintains direct international flights to Dubai, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi.
While the new routes are tentatively scheduled to begin in May 2026, their final rollout depends on aircraft availability, airline deployment plans, and regulatory clearances. The overall expansion reflects the growing passenger demand and airline interest in Pune as a significant aviation hub in western India.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
