Pune Airport Expansion Gets Boost as Centre Begins Talks for 40 Acres of Defence Land Transfer

Pune, 1st June 2026: The long-awaited expansion of Pune Airport has gained momentum, with discussions initiated at the highest levels of the Ministry of Defence to secure 40 acres of land currently under the control of the armed forces.

The proposed airport expansion requires a total of 300 acres of land to accommodate future growth in passenger traffic and aircraft operations. Of this, around 260 acres comprise privately owned land and land belonging to various state government departments, while the remaining 40 acres are under the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said efforts are underway to obtain the defence land required for the project.

“Pune Airport’s expansion requires 300 acres of land, of which 40 acres belong to the Defence Department. Discussions are currently underway at senior levels to facilitate the transfer of this land,” Mohol said.

The expansion has become increasingly important in view of the rapid rise in passenger traffic and aircraft movement at Pune Airport, one of the busiest airports in western India.

According to the proposed development plan, the airport’s runway will be expanded to improve operational capacity. The project also includes the construction of parking bays and remote bays for aircraft, helping ease congestion and improve aircraft handling efficiency.

A major feature of the expansion will be the establishment of a dedicated General Aviation Terminal for private helicopters and charter aircraft operated by non-scheduled operators. The number of private aviation movements from Pune has been steadily increasing, and a separate terminal is expected to streamline operations and enhance passenger convenience.

The project also proposes the development of Pune Airport’s first dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Once operational, the MRO centre will enable aircraft maintenance and repair work to be carried out within Pune, reducing dependence on facilities in other cities and strengthening the region’s aviation infrastructure.

Officials believe the expansion project will significantly enhance Pune Airport’s capacity and support the city’s growing role as a major business, industrial and technology hub.