Pune, 30 June 2025: In a major development for the city’s aviation infrastructure, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol has announced that Pune will have direct flight connectivity to European destinations within the next one-and-a-half years. The expansion of the Pune Airport runway, which currently cannot accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, is already in progress, he confirmed.
“There are currently no direct international flights operating out of Pune because the runway isn’t long enough. But the extension process has begun. Once complete, international flights, especially to Europe, will start operating from Pune,” Mohol said.
As part of this project, nearly 300 acres of land will be acquired. The cost-sharing model for land acquisition will see the Maharashtra government bearing 60% of the cost, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) contributing 20%, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) 10%, and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) 10%.
This announcement has brought renewed hope to Punekars, who have long awaited direct international connectivity. Mohol added that the new infrastructure will significantly improve travel options for international flyers from Pune and the rest of western Maharashtra.
In addition, Mohol also provided updates on the long-pending Purandar Airport project. He said the Maharashtra government has finalised the location, and the land acquisition process is underway. “Purandar airport will operate at international standards and will be a matter of pride for Pune,” he said, recalling that the site was originally finalised during Devendra Fadnavis’s earlier tenure as Chief Minister.
Highlighting other developments, Mohol noted that operations at Pune Airport's new terminal are now fully functional, with 100% flight movement shifted from the old terminal. Meanwhile, redevelopment of the old terminal has also begun.
"Even though I travel across the country, Pune remains my top priority," Mohol stated, underlining the Centre’s commitment to upgrading Pune’s air connectivity.
