Travel for Punekars is about to become far more convenient. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has confirmed that direct flights from Pune to long-haul destinations such as Europe are likely to take off by 2026. This development means passengers will no longer need to make the long journey to Mumbai or Delhi just to catch international connections.
A Big Milestone For Pune Airport
Currently, Pune Airport has limited international reach, with flights operating only to destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. For long-haul international travel, passengers have had to rely heavily on airports in Mumbai and Delhi, adding both cost and travel time. The introduction of direct long-haul flights will significantly change that.
According to Mohol, the airport is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades to make this possible. The most critical part of the project is the runway expansion. At present, Pune’s runway is too short to handle wide-bodied aircraft typically required for long-haul operations. The work to extend the runway is already underway, paving the way for larger aircraft to operate directly out of the city.
Land Acquisition And Cost Sharing
For the expansion project, approximately 300 acres of land will be acquired. The funding structure for this is a joint effort: the Maharashtra government will shoulder 60% of the cost, while the Pune Municipal Corporation will contribute 20%. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will share the remaining 20% equally. This collaborative model highlights the importance of the project, not just for the city, but for the entire region.
Why Direct International Flights Matter For Pune
The introduction of direct flights from Pune to Europe and other international destinations will mark a turning point in the city’s connectivity. It will save passengers hours of road or rail travel to other airports, reduce overall travel costs, and create a seamless flying experience. For business travelers, who frequently fly to Europe and North America, this upgrade will be especially valuable, as it shortens travel time and increases efficiency.
Tourism, trade, and investment opportunities are also expected to rise with this improved connectivity. International companies with offices in Pune will benefit from easier access, while the city’s growing IT and manufacturing sectors will find themselves better connected to global hubs.
Purandar Airport And Terminal Expansion
Mohol also mentioned progress on the much-delayed Purandar International Airport project. Although land acquisition issues slowed it down, the site has now been finalized and work is moving ahead. Once complete, this airport will meet global standards and ease congestion at the existing Lohegaon Airport.
Meanwhile, the new terminal at Pune Airport has already begun operations. The transition from the old terminal is almost complete, providing a more modern and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
Flyers Welcome The Move
For many residents, this development cannot come soon enough. Passengers like Kedar Mane, a frequent flyer from Pune, point out that traveling first to Mumbai or Delhi adds unnecessary time, cost, and fatigue. The ability to fly internationally, especially on long-haul routes, directly from Pune will transform the city’s travel landscape.
At present, Pune Airport handles flights to 35 domestic destinations along with a handful of short international routes. The addition of long-haul international connectivity will elevate the airport’s status significantly and make it one of the more important aviation hubs in western India.
A Game-Changer For Punekars
By 2026, if everything goes according to plan, Punekars will finally have access to direct international flights from their own city. This upgrade will save time, reduce stress, and enhance the convenience of traveling abroad. It also represents a proud moment for Pune, cementing its place on the global aviation map.
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For the city’s growing population of business professionals, students heading abroad, and families traveling for leisure, the ability to fly directly to Europe and beyond will be nothing short of transformative.
Source: Hindustan Times
