Pune Airport Expansion: 13 Acres of Air Force Land to be Transferred by October, Five New Parking Bays Planned
Pune, 24th August 2025: Thirteen acres of land required for the expansion of Pune Airport will be transferred to the airport administration by the end of October, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said. The land will be utilized to construct five new aircraft parking bays, remote bays, and a cargo terminal at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.
Currently, Pune Airport operates with ten parking bays that handle around 200 aircraft movements daily. With the addition of five more bays, the airport’s handling capacity is expected to increase by 50 to 60 aircraft, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing delays.
Rising Passenger Traffic
Passenger footfall at Pune Airport has been rising steadily. In 2023, over one crore passengers traveled through the airport, and the figure is projected to grow further. Recently, 15 additional flight slots were allocated to Pune, which are expected to be operational in the winter season, raising daily aircraft movements from 200 to around 225.
The airport administration has also initiated efforts to expand the runway to accommodate growing traffic and future operations.
Why Parking Bays Matter
A parking bay, also known as an apron area or aircraft stand, is the designated spot where aircraft halt before takeoff and after landing. It is used for passenger boarding, disembarkation, refueling, and loading or unloading of luggage.
The availability of additional bays allows more aircraft to be handled simultaneously, ensures smoother operations, and reduces waiting times for both passengers and pilots. It also minimizes the risk of delays and air congestion, while improving safety in aircraft movement.
Statement from Civil Aviation Minister
“With the transfer of 13 acres of land by October, crucial works like new parking bays will be completed. This will directly increase the capacity of Pune Airport and benefit passengers. With more parking bays and aircraft, flight services from Pune to new destinations will also be possible,” Mohol said.
The expansion is expected to enhance Pune’s connectivity and improve its position as a key aviation hub in western India.
