Pune International Airport has been allotted 15 additional flight slots during peak hours, increasing the total number of available slots from 220 to 235. The move, announced by Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, is expected to greatly enhance air connectivity, provide relief to passengers, and support Pune’s rapid growth as a major IT, industrial, and education hub.
For years, Pune’s airport has struggled with limited capacity, often resulting in crowded terminals, restricted flight options, and scheduling challenges for both airlines and passengers. The demand for more flight slots had been mounting as the city’s economic and population growth outpaced the airport’s infrastructure. The new slots, available between 6 am and 10:29 pm, directly address these concerns by allowing airlines to operate more flights during the busiest parts of the day.
The allocation of new slots followed persistent efforts by Minister Murlidhar Mohol, who coordinated closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF), which manages part of Pune airport’s operations. Acting on Mohol’s request, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari approved the expansion, enabling airlines to schedule more flights during peak morning and evening hours.
“This increase will not only offer more flexibility in flight timings but also open doors for airlines to enhance operations during peak hours,” Mohol said. He emphasized that while work on the new Purandar International Airport continues, strengthening the existing airport remains a top priority.
The immediate impact for travelers is greater flexibility and more options for direct flights to major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Airlines now have the opportunity to introduce new routes and increase flight frequency, which is expected to reduce waiting times, ease booking pressures, and potentially lower airfares due to increased competition.
Airport officials also anticipate that the new slots will encourage airlines to explore new domestic and even international destinations from Pune, further cementing the city’s status as a key aviation hub.
While the additional slots are a welcome development, authorities have acknowledged the need to ensure that airlines fully utilize their allotted slots. In the past, underutilization has led to fewer flight movements and higher fares for passengers. The airport has issued directives to airlines to maximize the use of available slots and has hinted at possible action if slots remain unused.
The enhancement of Pune’s airport capacity is seen as a crucial step in supporting the city’s continued rise as a business, education, and technology powerhouse. Improved air connectivity will not only benefit local residents and businesses but also attract more investment and tourism to the region.
