Pune, 22 December 2025: Airport has witnessed a significant rise in the movement of private helicopters and aircraft over the past few months. On average, more than 320 non-scheduled flights now operate from Pune Airport every month. This number increases further during election periods and high-profile movements.
Pune Airport, which functions primarily as an Indian Air Force base, also supports civilian operations. Due to regular fighter aircraft training activities, the availability of time slots for private and chartered flights remains limited.
Despite this, non-scheduled flight operations (NSOPs) have grown steadily, with nearly 10 to 12 private aircraft and helicopters operating daily.
Alongside private flights, Pune Airport manages about 200 scheduled commercial flights every day. However, the rise in NSOP traffic has added pressure on existing infrastructure. The airport currently does not have dedicated parking bays or a separate terminal for private aircraft, forcing authorities to park them near taxiways or hangars.
Officials note that while these operations bring in substantial revenue through Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) and parking fees, infrastructure limitations often disrupt smooth flight movement and scheduling.
According to airport authorities, a long-pending expansion plan requiring around 300 acres of land has been forwarded by the state government to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is still under consideration.
The proposal includes runway expansion, a separate terminal for private aircraft and helicopters, additional parking bays, and a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said the growing number of private flights has boosted airport revenue and provided faster travel options for passengers who rely on time-sensitive movement.
Aviation expert Dhairyashil Wandekar pointed out that Pune’s strong presence in IT, automobile, and industrial sectors has led to rising demand for NSOP services. He added that while the demand is high, the lack of adequate facilities could affect the city’s long-term aviation growth unless expansion plans are implemented soon.
