Pune: In a major boost for international connectivity, travelers from Pune and Western Maharashtra can now look forward to new flight routes between Pune and two major destinations—Bangkok and Dubai.

The services have received approval and will commence on October 27, 2024, providing direct international flight options for the region. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the news via a tweet, highlighting that these flights will be operated as part of the upcoming winter schedule.

Air India Express has been actively pursuing this route and had already coordinated with the airport authorities in both Pune and Bangkok to secure flight slots, which have now been confirmed.

The flight route between Pune and Bangkok was previously operational but was suspended during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the service has not resumed, leaving a gap in international travel from Pune.

However, with the opening of the new terminal at Pune airport, this gap will soon be filled. The addition of these two international routes signals a significant expansion in the airport’s capacity to handle more international traffic.

Key Flight Statistics:

• Pune Airport Activity: Approximately 190 flights per day (both terminals)

• Daily Operations: 95 take-offs and 95 landings

• Average Daily Passenger Count: 35,000

The new flights are expected to further enhance Pune’s role as a vital travel hub in Western Maharashtra, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Passengers flying from Pune will now have the convenience of direct flights to two highly sought-after international destinations.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol tweeted, “This is great news for the people of Pune and Western Maharashtra. The new Pune-Dubai and Pune-Bangkok routes will greatly benefit travelers and boost international connectivity from the region.”