Flights to Tirupati, Bagdogra & Mangaluru from May 1
Pune Airport in Maharashtra has received approval for 15 additional flight slots, increasing its total operational capacity from 220 to 235. This expansion is set to significantly enhance passenger handling capabilities and improve overall operational efficiency at one of Maharashtra’s key aviation hubs.
The newly approved slots will facilitate the launch of fresh routes connecting Pune to cities such as Tirupati, Bagdogra, Mangaluru, and Solapur. These additions are expected to boost regional connectivity, making travel more seamless for both business and leisure passengers while opening new avenues for tourism growth.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The expansion aligns with the Government of India’s flagship regional connectivity initiative, UDAN Scheme. Pune Airport has been a key participant in this programme, currently offering connectivity to regional destinations such as Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon.
These routes play a crucial role in improving last-mile connectivity, supporting regional economies, and ensuring more balanced development across tier-II and tier-III cities.
Backing from Civil Aviation Ministry
Officials highlighted that the increase in slots has been enabled by the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, particularly in addressing capacity constraints and strengthening air connectivity across the country.
Economic and Travel Impact
The additional slots and new routes are expected to deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced passenger convenience, increased tourism inflow, improved trade linkages, and stronger regional integration. The move is also likely to support economic growth in and around Pune by facilitating easier movement of people and goods.
Operations Begin May 1, 2026
The new flights under the expanded slot allocation are scheduled to commence from May 1, 2026, marking another step forward in Pune Airport’s ongoing expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for air travel.