Pune Airport is poised to enhance its air connectivity in May, with the Indian Air Force granting approval for 15 new flight slots. This expansion will increase the airport’s total slot capacity from 220 to 235. The newly allocated slots are expected to support the launch of new routes connecting Pune to Tirupati (via Solapur), Mangaluru, and Bagdogra.
According to Santosh Dhoke, the airport director, “Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol requested the Indian Air Force to allocate these 15 additional slots, which have been approved. These new daytime flight schedules are anticipated to significantly boost tourism, commerce, and regional integration.”
A notable addition to the flight schedule is a multi-leg route from Pune to Tirupati, which will pass through Solapur, thereby creating two new travel sectors: Tirupati-Solapur-Pune and Pune-Solapur-Tirupati. Star Air is set to operate flight S5 331/332 on this route starting May 1.
The Pune to Solapur flights will arrive in Pune at 3:20 PM and will return to Solapur at 4:00 PM, operating six days a week, excluding Saturdays. On Saturdays, the service will arrive at 4:10 PM and depart at 4:40 PM. The schedule for the Solapur-Tirupati leg has yet to be finalized.
FLY 91 is also launching its flight IC 1609/1610 between Mangaluru and Pune, effective May 1. The Mangaluru flight will reach Pune at 6:40 PM and will leave for Mangaluru at 7:05 PM, running daily.
Additionally, Air India will introduce flight AI 4171/4172 connecting Bagdogra (IXB) with Pune, commencing on May 1. This flight will arrive in Pune at 12:25 PM and leave at 1:15 PM, operating every day of the week.
Dhoke emphasized the significance of Bagdogra, located in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. “Bagdogra is strategically vital as it serves as a gateway to the Northeast. Direct flights from Pune will considerably simplify travel to this region,” he stated.
SpiceJet will commence flight SG 1080/1080, linking Goa and Chennai through Pune, starting May 1. This service will arrive in Pune from Goa at 8:00 PM and will depart for Chennai at 9:00 PM, available every day of the week.
Moreover, Akasa Air is set to operate flight QP 1313/1314 between Varanasi (VNS) and Pune, effective May 1. This flight will arrive in Pune at 1:50 PM and depart back for Varanasi at 2:35 PM, running seven days a week.
Air India Express will also operate a service between Bengaluru and Pune on flight IX 1971/2718 starting May 1, with flights running six days a week, excluding Saturdays. The outbound flight IX 1971 will leave Bengaluru at 12:45 PM, arriving in Pune at 2:15 PM, while flight IX 2718 will depart Pune at 2:55 PM, reaching Bengaluru by 4:40 PM.
IndiGo plans to introduce flight 6E 2183/2184, connecting Patna and Pune, starting May 2. This flight will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flight 6E 2183 is scheduled to depart Patna at 3:40 PM, arriving in Pune at 6:05 PM, while flight 6E 2184 will leave Pune at 6:40 PM, reaching Patna at 9:00 PM.
As it stands, only IndiGo and Air India Express have opened bookings for these new services, with other airlines yet to do so.
In addition to the new routes, Pune Airport continues to facilitate four regional destinations under the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN): Nanded, Kishangarh, Sindhudurg, and Jalgaon.
“These RCS routes play a crucial role in improving last-mile connectivity and fostering balanced regional development. The increase in slot capacity aims to enhance connectivity, provide better passenger experience, and support the economic growth of the region,” Dhoke remarked.
Aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar expressed optimism about this development, stating, “This is a promising advancement. With the rising demand at Pune Airport for existing routes, these new connections will be advantageous for regional connectivity.”
Shubham Kurale is a journalist based in Pune, having studied journalism at the Ranade Institute. His primary focus is on transportation, along with interests in civic issues, sports, gig workers, environmental matters, and LGBTQ+ topics. Follow him on X: @ShubhamKurale1
