In a move to ease congestion and improve flight access, the number of flight slots at Pune International Airport has been increased from 220 to 235, announced Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol on Sunday. The increase, facilitated through coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), is expected to enhance passenger convenience and support growing regional demand.

Given that Pune Airport operates from a defence airbase, Mohol sought the support of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who formally approved the additional slots between 6:00 am and 10:29 pm, covering peak operational hours.

“This is a big relief for Pune travellers,” Mohol shared on social media. “With IAF cooperation, 15 more civil flight slots have been added, raising daily aircraft movements to 235. It’s a dedicated step to ensure faster and smoother journeys.”

With Pune’s industrial, IT, and education sectors driving demand, the additional slots open up scope for more domestic routes—including expanded services to Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad—and increased flexibility for airlines to operate during high-demand morning and evening hours.

Mohol also reaffirmed the government’s long-term commitment to developing a new international airport at Purandar, while simultaneously working to strengthen the existing Pune International Airport.

“This step is part of a broader strategy to expand air services and connectivity from Pune, ensuring the city keeps pace with its economic and demographic growth,” he added.