Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Purandar International Airport; Land Acquisition to Finish by June 2026

Pune, 10th February 2026: The Maharashtra Cabinet has given formal approval to the long-pending Purandar International Airport project, setting June 1, 2026 as the deadline to complete land acquisition. The decision marks a major step forward in strengthening aviation infrastructure in western Maharashtra.

Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol hailed the approval as a landmark development that will reshape regional connectivity and accelerate economic growth across Pune and surrounding districts.

According to Mohol, the upcoming airport will significantly expand air travel capacity in the region and serve as a vital alternative to the existing Pune airport. After Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Purandar facility is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub, easing passenger load and improving cargo handling efficiency.

He emphasized that enhanced aviation infrastructure would benefit multiple sectors, including information technology, manufacturing, tourism, trade, and agricultural exports. The airport is also expected to pave the way for direct international flights to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, improving global connectivity for businesses and travellers alike.

The project is anticipated to provide strong momentum to the logistics and warehousing industries, while also creating growth opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Faster air cargo services could help farmers transport perishable produce more efficiently, enabling better price realisation and access to international markets.

Mohol noted that the airport would act as a catalyst for employment generation, infrastructure expansion, and increased private investment in the region.

Reaffirming support for the project, Mohol stated that the state and central governments will work in coordination to ensure timely execution and completion of the airport within the prescribed schedule.

The Purandar International Airport is expected to become a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s future-ready transport network, positioning the Pune region as a major gateway for both domestic and global travel.