Over 320 Private Aircraft, Helicopters Operate Monthly from Pune Airport

Viman Nagar, 21st December 2025: The number of private helicopters and non-scheduled aircraft operating from Pune airport has seen a steady rise in recent months, with more than 320 private aircraft and helicopters operating every month. The frequency increases further during election periods, officials said.

Pune airport, which functions as an Indian Air Force base, also hosts regular fighter aircraft training activities. This dual use often impacts scheduled passenger flights as well as private helicopter services. Despite these operational constraints, non-scheduled flight operations (NSOP) from Pune are on the rise.

According to airport data, around 12 private helicopters and aircraft take off from Pune airport daily, compared to five to six daily operations earlier. While nearly 200 scheduled passenger flights operate from the airport each day, private helicopters and aircraft currently account for about 10 to 12 daily movements. Officials expect this number to increase further in the coming days.

The surge in non-scheduled traffic has led to a rise in airport revenue through Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) and parking fees. However, the lack of dedicated infrastructure for private aircraft has emerged as a major challenge. In the absence of separate parking bays, private helicopters and aircraft are often parked on taxiways or near hangars, affecting overall airport operations.

Airport authorities highlighted multiple difficulties faced by private helicopter and aircraft services. Since Pune airport is an Air Force base, private operators find it difficult to secure flight slots, leading to congestion within limited operational windows. The absence of a separate terminal for private aircraft has also negatively impacted service efficiency.

Meanwhile, plans for Pune airport expansion remain pending. The new terminal building is currently under construction at an estimated cost of ₹556 crore. However, a larger expansion proposal requiring around 300 acres of land has been submitted by the state government to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is still under consideration.

The proposed expansion includes extending the runway, developing a separate terminal for private helicopters and aircraft, creating a dedicated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, and increasing the number of parking bays.

“In the last few months, the number of private helicopters and aircraft operating from Pune airport has increased significantly. Around 12 private aircraft operate daily. This has not only boosted airport revenue but has also benefited passengers who require faster travel options,” said Santosh Dhoke, Airport Director, Pune.

With demand for private aviation rising, stakeholders have stressed the need for faster clearance of the expansion proposal to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency at Pune airport.