Pune, 25 August 2025: Pune Airport is set for a major expansion, with 13 acres of land to be officially handed over to the airport authority by October. The space will be used to build five new parking bays, remote bays, and a cargo terminal at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore.
Currently, the airport has 10 parking bays handling nearly 200 flights a day. With the addition of new bays, officials expect capacity to rise by 50–60 more flights daily, easing congestion and improving on-time operations. Last year, over one crore passengers travelled through Pune Airport, and the number is projected to rise further.
Fifteen new slots have already been allotted for the upcoming winter season, which could increase daily flights from 200 to around 225.
The expansion is expected to directly benefit travelers by allowing more flights to new destinations. Airport authorities are also pursuing plans to extend the runway in the long term to handle larger aircraft and further growth.
At the same time, wildlife presence inside the airport continues to be a serious concern. Despite closing 30 identified entry routes, leopards are still being spotted roaming freely, with even wildcats seen in the vicinity. Reports suggest more than one leopard may be active around the airport area, raising safety questions for both passengers and operations.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the new parking bays and facilities will significantly improve Pune Airport’s efficiency and flight capacity, offering direct benefits to passengers and boosting connectivity.
