Pune: The Pune airport, which has earned the distinction of catering to the highest number of domestic passengers, is all set to start three new international flights from March 2019 making it one of the busiest airports in the country.

The number of daily movements has touched 200 from 158 last year. At this rate, the airport is expected to cross 10 million passengers per annum mark in the ongoing year. In 2017-18 fiscal, the airport had recorded a passenger growth of 20.6 per cent.

Ajay Kumar, Director Pune airport, told Sakal Times, “In summer schedule, three to four international flights will be started from the Pune airport. Recently, we announced that flight for Singapore from Pune will start. The names of flights cannot be declared right now, as we have received applications.” “It will be too early to announce the airline’s name and destinations,” Kumar said.

Currently, there are four international flights for Dubai (Air India and Spice Jet), Abu Dhabi (Jet Airways) and Frankfurt (Lufthansa started early this week). One of the latest developments for an international destination is Singapore. Jet Airways will start from December 1. 

In November 2017, Sakal Times published the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) report, which was submitted to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As per the report, it is estimated that there will be a 25 per cent rise in the passenger movement (both domestic and international) at the Pune airport by 2021.

“We are ready to start more flights in coming months and to increase the capacity of flights from summer schedule as well. Overall, 30 new flights will depart from Pune to different parts of the country within six to eight months” said Kumar. 

The international flights will help passengers to visit different countries directly from Pune. They do not have to go to Mumbai or any other international airport.